New study reveals that long life depends on a person's genetic makeup. Researchers from Stanford University have discovered the secret to become a centenarian.
Stanford University genetics and developmental biology professor Kim Stuart together with Kristen Fortney compared the genes of individuals who lived long to the general population. Using the samples from people who reached 100 years, the researchers found that the length of one's life depends on his or her genes.
The scientists found four similar genes to people who are at least 100 years old. These genes are labeled as ABO, CDKN2B, SH2B3 and APOE. The said genes were not common to individuals with normal lifespan.
The result of the study states that individuals with blood type O tend to live longer. They are also the group of people who have lower risk of developing deadly diseases like coronary heart disease and cancer. They also have lower levels of LDL cholesterol which is considered as harmful to the body.
Centenarian people are also found to have lower levels of senescence which is responsible for aging. Those who have higher level of senescence usually die at a young age. The gene CDKN2B which is present among those who live longer regulates cell division.
To further investigate the link between longevity and one's genetic makeup, the scientists conducted examinations to 14 different diseases. After analyzing, the researchers found a new gene variant that may cause degenerative disease diseases like heart ailments and Alzheimer's disease.
Several studies have identified different factor that can contribute to long life. Some have even linked longevity to longer lifespan. The research conducted by Stuart and his team gives enlightenment to the scientific world.
The study give way further studies that will reveal the secret to long life. By conducting future studies and examining more centenarians, more information about longevity genes will be discovered.
