The Study Demonstrates the Connection of Genes to a Longer Human Lifespan

As per a recent study performed by UCL researchers, a collection of genes that play an important role in constructing cell components could also influence a human lifetime.

The genes have earlier been identified to lengthen lifespan in microscopic organisms, like fruit flies. However, this is the first time scientists have revealed a link in humans, according to a recent Genome Research publication.

The genes appear to be an instance of antagonistic pleiotropy, which occurs when genes that reduce our lifespan are chosen for in evolution when they aid us early on in our life and during our reproductive years. The genes are associated with our cells’ protein-synthesizing mechanism, which is necessary for survival. However, the researchers believe that we may well not require as much of its effect as we get older.

The researchers looked at genetic information from past studies including 11,262 persons who had survived to be over the 90 % of their class in terms of life expectancy. They discovered that those with lower activity levels in specific genes had a higher chance of living a long life. The genes are connected to two RNA polymerase enzymes (Pols), Pol III and Pol I, which synthesize ribosomally transfer RNAs and activate ribosomal protein genes.

According to the researchers, an earlier study has shown that blocking key genes associated with the production of proteins in human cells could lengthen lifespan in model species like worms, yeast, and flies. Among humans, though, loss of activity in such genes has already been linked to diseases like ribosomopathies, which are developmental abnormalities.

The researchers discovered that the genes’ impacts were associated with their expression within different organs, such as the liver, abdominal fat, and skeletal muscle. Still, they also discovered that the influence on longevity extended well beyond age-related disorders.

The results add to the growing body of evidence suggesting medications like rapamycin, an immunological regulator that inhibits Pol III, can help people live longer and healthier lives.