Advancements in genetic research have led to the development of 11 polygenic longevity scores (PLS) that can predict both long life and resilience to certain age-related conditions. These scores have been constructed by scientists from the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), and tested with genome data collected by UK BioBank. The results of the study, published in GeroScience, shed light on the relationship between genetic variants and lifespan.
The researchers found that individuals with the highest PLS scores had an average lifespan that was significantly longer than those with the lowest scores. The PLS scores were strongly associated with the lifespan of the parents of the individuals in the UK BioBank study. This suggests that genetic variants play a crucial role in determining longevity and overall health span.
Resilience to Diseases
Individuals with higher PLS scores were found to be less likely to be at risk for age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, coronary artery disease, heart attack, diabetes, and even COVID-19. However, the PLS scores did not predict resilience to cancer, as cancer is largely influenced by random factors. The researchers believe that the PLS scores reflect resilience to a range of diseases that impact overall lifespan and health span.
Turning Ideas on Their Head
The researchers took a unique approach by using genetic variants related to longevity to construct the PLS scores, as opposed to traditional polygenic risk scores (PRS) that assess the risk of disease. By examining genetic variants associated with long life, the researchers were able to identify key factors that contribute to overall health and lifespan.
Genetic Variants and Longevity
The PLS scores were developed using data from four genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that focused on genetic variants related to longevity. These studies defined “long-lived” individuals as those in their 90s and even super-centenarians living past 100 years old. The PLS scores created by the researchers were found to closely correspond with the data from the UK BioBank study, highlighting their significance in predicting lifespan.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to delve deeper into the genetic variants that make up the PLS scores. By understanding how these variants confer protection against certain diseases, they hope to uncover new insights into the genetic factors that influence longevity and overall health.
The development of polygenic longevity scores represents a significant breakthrough in the field of genetic research. By identifying key genetic variants associated with long life and resilience to age-related conditions, researchers are paving the way for personalized medicine and targeted interventions that can improve overall health and lifespan.