What ’s the secret to living longer ? Scientists have been ruminate this for some time now and while we realize that variouslifestyle and environmental factorscontribute to our longevity , it is also evident that genetics play a role . In fact , mob report have show that hereditary component account for around20 - 30%of the version in adult lifespan . So what are these genetic secret to longevity ? A new study , print inAging Cell , may have some answers .
Previous piece of work key out a twosome of candidate genes that researcher suspect may play a role in longevity . The genes identified were apolipoprotein E ( APOE ) , which ravish cholesterol around the body , andFOXO3Awhich may affectinsulin sensitivity . Variations in these genes were discover to be consort with longevity ; however , neither had a large influence , which left scientists suspecting that there must be other factors at period of play .
To find out more , researchers from theSpanish National Cancer Research Centerscoured the protein - befool factor , or exomes , of extremity of three disjoined kin that all had exceptionally long - lived members . Three of the somebody sequenced lived to be 103 or older , and their siblings lived to be 97 or previous . They then compare these with sequence information from 800 other people that act as control .
They found that uncommon variants in one particular factor cropped up in all three family — apolipoprotein B ( APOB ) . Like the APOE protein , APOB is a cholesterol transporter . APOB helps to carry “ bad cholesterol , ” or broken - density lipoprotein ( LDL ) , in the blood . While our body call for cholesterol , LDL has a defective repp because it can build up along the rampart of blood vessels , blocking artery and eventually leading to heart attacks in some .
It ’s possible that these genetic variation reduce the levels of LDL in the blood , an idea that the researchers are now investigating . According to lead authorTimothy hard cash , if the long - hold out somebody do have lower cholesterin levels , it would reinforce the theme that cardiovascular health is an important cistron in the aging operation . Interestingly , variations inAPOEare also knownrisk factorsfor cardiovascular disease , which is likely due to elevated lipoid levels .
[ ViaNew ScientistandAging Cell ]
