Families Who Live the Longest Share Something in Common
Summary
Scientists studied families with many long-lived members to find clues about healthy aging. They found specific gene variants that might help people live longer and healthier lives by reducing harmful inflammation without weakening the immune response.Key Facts
- Researchers looked at families where siblings lived much longer than average.
- People from these families developed heart and metabolic diseases about 13 years later than others.
- The team analyzed the genomes of 212 sibling groups to find genetic links to longevity.
- They narrowed the search to 350 genes and found 12 rare changes in proteins.
- One important gene variant was in CGAS, which controls inflammation and the body’s response to damaged cells.
- This genetic variant may lower harmful inflammation but still protect against infections.
- Blocking CGAS completely is risky because it might cause infection or cancer.
- Scientists plan to test the effects of this mutation on lifespan using killifish, small fish with naturally short lives.
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