Evidence that the gene encoding insulin degrading enzyme influences human lifespan.

ABSTRACT: Studies in model organisms have demonstrated that components of insulin and insulin-like signaling pathways are involved in the regulation of lifespan but the relevance of those findings to humans has remained obscure. Here we provide evidence suggesting that variants of the gene encoding insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) may be influencing human lifespan. We have employed a variety of models and diverse samples that reproducibly indicate the relative change in IDE genotype frequency across the age spectrum as well as allow the detection of association with age-at-death. A tenable molecular basis of this is suggested by the observation of genetic association with both fasting plasma insulin levels and IDE mRNA expression. Across populations the emergent genetic model is indicative of over-dom

SUBMITTER: Hong MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2574758 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature