The role of genetic variants in human longevity.
Human longevity is a complex phenotype with a strong genetic predisposition. Increasing evidence has revealed the genetic antecedents of human longevity. This article aims to review the data of various case/control association studies that examine the difference in genetic polymorphisms between long-lived people and younger subjects across different human populations. There are more than 100 candidate genes potentially involved in human longevity; this article particularly focuses on genes of the insulin/IGF-1 pathway, FOXO3A, FOXO1A, lipoprotein metabolism (e.g., APOE and PON1), and cell-cycle regulators (e.g., TP53 and P21). Since the confirmed genetic components for human longevity are few to date, further precise assessment of the genetic contributions is required. Gaining a better understanding of the contribution of genetics to human longevity may assist in the design of improved treatment methods for age-related diseases, delay the aging process, and, ultimately, prolong the human lifespan.
Chung
Wen-Hung
WH
Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, 199, Tung-Hwa North Road, Taipei 105, Taiwan.
Dao
Ro-Lan
RL
Chen
Liang-Kung
LK
Hung
Shuen-Iu
SI
D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks / Q000502:physiology*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*