Meta‐analysis of genetic variants associated with human exceptional longevity.

ABSTRACT: Despite evidence from family studies that there is a strong genetic influence upon exceptional longevity, relatively few genetic variants have been associated with this trait. One reason could be that many genes individually have such weak effects that they cannot meet standard thresholds of genome wide significance, but as a group in specific combinations of genetic variations, they can have a strong influence. Previously we reported that such genetic signatures of 281 genetic markers associated with about 130 genes can do a relatively good job of differentiating centenarians from non‐centenarians particularly if the centenarians are 106 years and older. This would support our hypothesis that the genetic influence upon exceptional longevity increases with older and older (and rarer) ages.

SUBMITTER: Sebastiani P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3808698 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature