Genetic and environmental determiners of longevity

Abstract

Humans have tried to prolong life since ancient times, and life spans have been steadily increasing throughout history. Longevity is heritable: Relatives of exceptionally long-lived people are more likely to live longer lives. Thus, it is hypothesized that there are certain genes associated with longevity. Through a search of model organism gene databases, four human gene homologs were identified as longevity genes in mouse, fly, worm, and yeast. These are thioredoxin, superoxide dismutase 1, peroxiredoxin 1, and sirtuin 1. In addition, genes that exist in human and are associated with longevity in model organisms were examined. Many of these longevity genes are involved in protection against oxidative stress, cancer prevention, and the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) pathway. Lastly, the environment also influences longevity. Factors in early life and adulthood are considered, and changes in the epigenome and microbiome are discussed.