Is longevity genetic? On the search for the longevity gene

Living longer is more than just the age in our passports. It’s about feeling strong and healthy as long as we can. There are things we can take control of, like our lifestyle, diet, and everyday choices. But what about processes we can’t affect? Genetics, including the longevity gene, play a huge role in human lives, but how much do they impact longevity? We explain this in the article below.

What exactly is longevity

People’s longevity is influenced by various factors such as location, gender, lifestyle, genetics, and socioeconomic status. We have witnessed a steady increase in the average global life expectancy, surpassing 77 years in the United States in 2020. Although impressive, certain animal species, such as the bowhead whale, outlive us, with a lifespan of over 200 years.

Despite these advancements, age-related issues like cardiovascular diseases and cancer remain leading causes of illness and death. To improve life expectancy, the longevity industry focuses on understanding how different factors affect our health. This includes exploring the concept of longevity genes.

In summary, longevity refers to how long we can live, influenced by multiple factors. While progress has been made, challenges remain, and the longevity industry aims to improve health and extend lifespans.

What affects longevity

Understanding the factors that impact longevity is crucial in our pursuit of life-extending interventions. Three main elements come into play: lifestyle, environment, and genetics. The longevity of individuals remains a subject of debate as each factor’s influence is not fixed. Environments can change, lifestyles can alter, and even genes can activate or deactivate through gene regulation.

Among these factors, lifestyle is the most controllable. Individuals have the power to make choices that promote longevity. For instance, reducing or quitting alcohol and smoking can lower the risk of diseases. Adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and getting sufficient sleep all contribute to better health and a longer lifespan. But let’s not forget that our surroundings also impact our well-being.

People with higher socioeconomic status have more opportunities to access better healthcare, nutrition, education, and cleaner environments with abundant green spaces. Conversely, living in overcrowded areas or being exposed to polluted air can contribute to the development of chronic health conditions over time. It is crucial to comprehend and optimize these environmental factors in order to promote health and prolong life expectancy.

You may also like: Top 11 longevity hacks

What about longevity genes?

You can (and should) do your best to make the smartest lifestyle choices. However, genetics is where it gets more complicated. DNA that is found in all of our cells holds the key to our development, survival, and reproduction.

DNA is like a blueprint for our bodies. It’s made up of thousands of genes that control how we look and function. Genes determine things like our hair, skin, and eye colors. They can also influence whether we’re more likely to have certain health conditions. By studying our genes, scientists can learn about our family history and where we come from.

Not only that. Our genes also affect our health and lifespan. A family history of diseases can increase our susceptibility to similar conditions, while the age at which our parents passed away can influence our own longevity.

Have you ever wondered why some people live longer than others? It turns out that our genes play a significant role in determining our lifespan. In fact, about 25% of the variation in lifespan can be attributed to our genetic makeup. So, if you come from a family with a history of long life, there’s a good chance that you’ve inherited some of those longevity genes. Scientists are still exploring whether lifestyle factors also contribute to the equation.

In a previous study, researchers compared the survival rates of husbands of women who lived to be 100 years old with those of the brothers of these women. Surprisingly, the brothers outlived the husbands, even though they shared the same environment for most of their lives. This finding suggests that genetics exert a stronger influence on lifespan than the environment.

To identify the specific gene variants responsible for longevity, researchers conducted two approaches. First, they compared the genes of long-lived individuals with those of younger people living in the same area. Then, they used genome sequencing. It was discovered that there isn’t just one single “longevity gene.” Instead, it is believed that numerous combinations of genes play a role in controlling our health and lifespan.

Examples of genes responsible for longevity

CISD2

First, we’d like to introduce you to CISD2, which is being hailed as the ‘anti-aging gene’.

To study the effects of CISD2, researchers used a technique called gene knockouts. This method allowed them to deactivate the CISD2 gene in mice.

Interestingly, the expression of CISD2 naturally decreases as mice age. However, in this study, when both male and female mice were genetically engineered to lack CISD2, they exhibited signs of premature aging. These signs included cell death, as well as degeneration in neurons and muscle cells.

Recent research further supports the notion that mice without the CISD2 gene have shorter lifespans. It is also suggested that CISD2 may impact genetic pathways related to lifespan and various aging indicators.

Based on these findings, maintaining the expression of CISD2 could potentially extend the human lifespan or slow down the signs of aging.

Sirtuin genes

When talking about longevity, you’ll often hear about the Sirtuin genes, which have been around the block for quite some time and found in many different life forms. Research shows that when these specific genes are less active, it can lead to health problems associated with aging, like faster aging. However, if some Sirtuins become too active, they might also increase the risk of cancer.

More research still needs to be conducted in order to fully understand the Sirtuin genes and their impact on longevity. However, in time, they could potentially help in finding drug and preventative treatments for age-related diseases.

Klotho gene

Another gene related to anti-aging properties is the Klotho gene. Unfortunately, the levels of this gene naturally decline once we reach the age of 40. Since it plays an important role in regulating a protein called Wnt5A, which affects the spread of cancer cells, a lack of Klotho can lead to several issues.

Recent research has shown that a specific diabetes medication can help the body increase Klotho expression. The best part is that this process occurs simultaneously with the decrease in Wnt5A protein levels. With further research, these findings could potentially help combat drug resistance and provide treatment for cancers influenced by Klotho.

It’s not just this specific diabetes medication that appears to have an effect; several traditional medicines and nutraceuticals, like Berberine—which a 2022 study found can enhance Klotho expression—along with other supplements like resveratrol, as well as exercise and physical activities, can boost Klotho levels too.

You can read much more about Berberine. here: Berberine Guide: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage.

Don’t lose hope just yet!

While these studies show that genes do play an important role in longevity, anyone wishing for a long life shouldn’t lose hope yet. Just because your grandpa’s genes aren’t ‘good’ enough doesn’t mean you won’t live a long and healthy life. Here’s a look at habits that could have more impact than you’d think.

Don’t overeat

The relationship between calorie intake and longevity is currently a subject of great interest. For example, research conducted on animals indicates that reducing normal calorie intake by 10-50% may increase the maximum lifespan.

What’s more, several studies focusing on human populations known for their longevity have also found associations between lower calorie intake, longer lifespan, and reduced risk of diseases.

You may want to read: The benefits of caloric restriction and longevity

Eat plenty of veggies and fruits

Consuming a diverse range of plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans can help lower the chances of getting sick and increase the chances of living a longer life.

For instance, many studies have shown that a diet rich in plants can decrease the risk of dying early and reduce the likelihood of developing conditions like cancer, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, depression, and brain deterioration.

Eating a diet rich in plant-based foods can have numerous positive effects on your health. These effects are attributed to the beneficial nutrients and antioxidants abundantly present in plants, including polyphenols, carotenoids, folate, and vitamin C. To support your longevity and overall well-being, consider incorporating scientifically-proven anti-aging supplements and vitamins into your daily routine. Explore the comprehensive list of such supplements here.

Remember to exercise

Did you know that even 15 minutes of daily exercise can make your lifespan longer? That’s right. Staying physically active is an important part of living a healthier and longer life. So if you ever lack motivation, try to remember your future self will thank you!

End notes

Recent studies on genes and longevity show promising results. The potential is huge! Gaining more knowledge in this area increases our chances of leading a higher quality of life. If you’re curious about longevity and want practical tips to extend your lifespan, we invite you to explore our blog.

References:

1. Human longevity: Genetics or Lifestyle? It takes two to tango – PMC (nih.gov)
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2685531/
3. https://academic.oup.com/hmg/article/21/18/3956/588038?login=false
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9314780/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7390530//
6. Mediterranean diet, lifestyle factors, and 10-year mortality in elderly European men and women: the HALE project – PubMed (nih.gov)