Scientists have found a pattern of genes on the basis of which it will be possible to predict with greater accuracy than before who is likely to celebrate the hundredth birthday. This will be possible even if, in addition to the longevity gene, disease genes will also be found in the DNA code, reports Reuters.
The discovery, published in Science, proposes the possibility of predicting who may be hoping for a longer life. To date, several research teams have identified a pattern of genes associated with longevity.
However, Paola Sebastiani and Thomas Perls from Boston University say that the research carried out by their teams is the most accurate.
Specialists examined over a thousand people over a hundred years of age. They then associated their gene patterns with those of 1200 other people whose genetic pattern was similar.
To their surprise, the longest-lived had many of the same disease genes as the others. Their long-lived genes have been shown to counteract disease-related genes.
Boston scientists said they are working on designing a free website where anyone with information about their DNA code can check and see if they have long-lived genes.
The methodology we invented can be used to find other genetic traits, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, Sebastiani said.
Perls added that the discovery did not offer the possibility of inventing the elixir of youth, but he hoped that the study would help delay aging-related conditions such as Alzhaimer. (PAP)