Detection of gene variants related to longevity in humans

(scienceinfo.net) - A variation of a gene identified as being involved in human dynamism also seems to entail longevity, UC Irvine and other researchers have noticed this.

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The derivative of a dopamine receptor gene - called allele DRD4 7R - appears at a significantly higher rate in people who live longer than 90 years and it has been shown to be associated with longevity in these studies. mouse.

Robert Moyzis, professor of biological chemistry at UC Irvine (Universtiy of California, Irvine) and Dr. Nora Volkow, a psychiatrist, who conducted research at Brookhaven National Laboratory are the two main authors of the study. assist. The results of the study are published online in the journal Neuroscience.

Gene variation is part of the dopamine system, which facilitates signaling between nerve cells and plays an important role in the brain system responsible for attention and learning.Allele DRD4 7R blunts the dopamine signal, which enhances the individual's response to the environment.

It seems that people with this variant gene have more motivation to pursue social activities, intellectual and physical activities. This variation is also associated with attention reduction disorders and behaviors that show addiction and danger.

"While these genetic variants may not directly affect lifespan, it is associated with personality traits that have been shown to be important to live longer and healthier. This has been proven. By documents, the more you participate in social activities and physical activity, the more likely you are to live longer. It may be that simple, " Moyzis said.

It is obvious that these variants may contribute to prolonging life, but researchers also need to do more research to determine the clinical benefits directly from the study.