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The role of genetics in determining ageing and longevity

Team AckoFeb 27, 2024

Ageing is an inevitable process that everyone experiences. As we age, the body goes through numerous changes, from physical and mental health issues to the loss of certain bodily functions. Recent discoveries in genetics now suggest that the key components of longevity and successful ageing may be partly down to a person's genetics, or their individual genetic make-up.

Recent advances in genetics and genomics have revealed the heritability of many traits associated with both longevity and age-related diseases. In particular, research has focused on the roles of specific genetic polygenic risk scores (PRS), single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), copy number variants (CNVs), and other genetic features.

Contents

Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS)
Single-nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)
Copy Number Variants (CNVs)
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS)

Polygenic risk scores are combinations of multiple genetic variants that can be used to predict whether an individual has a higher or lower risk of certain disorders. Polygenic scores for ageing-related diseases have been identified for Alzheimer's disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Single-nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms refer to variations in a single nucleotide (A, C, G, or T) in a person's DNA. These variations can affect a person's risk for various diseases, as well as their longevity. One study found that SNPs at two genetic loci were associated with increased longevity in participants who also had low levels of chronic inflammation.

Copy Number Variants (CNVs)

Copy number variants are changes in the amount of genes within a person's DNA. CNVs are much more common than SNPs and can have a bigger effect on a person's health. Research has revealed that CNVs on chromosome 3 play a role in how long people are expected to live.

Another area of research that has recently gained traction is understanding how epigenetics can influence ageing. Epigenetics refer to changes in gene expression due to environmental factors, such as nutrition and lifestyle behaviours. Recent studies have identified several epigenetic markers that can be used to predict successful ageing and longevity.

One promising epigenetic biomarker is telomere length. The telomeres are the tips of chromosomes that cap off the ends of each arm. As cells divide, their telomeres shorten, eventually leading to cell death. Analysing telomere length can therefore provide valuable insights into a person's biological age.

It's important to note that although genetics can play a role in determining the speed of ageing, other factors such as lifestyle choices, exercise, diet and nutrition, and stress levels are also important. While it may be impossible to change one's genetic make-up, we can modify our lifestyle factors and make better dietary and health-related decisions to reduce our risk of age-related diseases and improve longevity.

Conclusion

Genetics plays an important role in determining a person's longevity and successful ageing. Polygenic scores, SNPs, CNVs and epigenetic biomarkers have all been identified as important genetic markers that can affect a person's chance at long-term health and vitality. While genetics may be out of our control, changing lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, can help reduce the risk of ageing-related diseases. Being mindful of these factors, as well as understanding the importance of genetic markers, can help significantly improve a person's health and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to the above topic

What is the role of genetics in determining longevity and ageing?

Recent discoveries in genetics now suggest that the key components of longevity and successful ageing may be partly down to a person's genetics, or their individual genetic make-up. Polygenic scores, SNPs, CNVs and epigenetic biomarkers have all been identified as important genetic markers that can affect a person's chance at long-term health and vitality.

What is the difference between SNPs and CNVs?

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) refer to variations in a single nucleotide (A, C, G, or T) in a person's DNA. Copy number variants (CNVs) are changes in the amount of genes within a person's DNA. CNVs are much more common than SNPs and can have a bigger effect on a person's health.

What are epigenetic biomarkers and how can they affect longevity?

Epigenetics refer to changes in gene expression due to environmental factors, such as nutrition and lifestyle behaviours. Research has identified several epigenetic markers that can be used to predict successful ageing and longevity. One of the most promising epigenetic biomarkers is telomere length, which can provide valuable insights into a person's biological age.