A genome-wide scan for linkage to human exceptional longevity identifies a locus on chromosome 4.

Authors: Puca AA; Daly MJ; Brewster SJ; Matise TC; Barrett J; Shea-Drinkwater M; Kang S; Joyce E; Nicoli J; Benson E; Kunkel LM; Perls T

Abstract: Substantial evidence supports the familial aggregation of exceptional longevity. The existence of rare families demonstrating clustering for this phenotype suggests that a genetic etiology may be an important component. Previous attempts at localizing loci predisposing for exceptional longevity have been limited to association studies of candidate gene polymorphisms. In this study, a genome-wide scan for such predisposing loci was conducted by using 308 individuals belonging to 137 sibships demonstrating exceptional longevity. By using nonparametric analysis, significant evidence for linkage was noted for chromosome 4 at D4S1564 with a MLS of 3.65 (P = 0.044). The analysis was corroborated by a parametric analysis (P = 0.052). These linkage results indicate the likelihood that there exists a gene, or genes, that exerts a substantial influence on the ability to achieve exceptional old age. Identification of the genes in humans that allow certain individuals to live to extreme old age should lead to insights on cellular pathways that are important to the aging process.

Keywords: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging/genetics; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 4/*genetics; Female; *Genetic Linkage; Genome, Human; Humans; Lod Score; Longevity/*genetics; Male; Nuclear Family
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume: 98
Issue: 18
Pages: 10505-8
Date: Aug. 30, 2001
PMID: 11526246
Select reference article to upload


Citation:

Puca AA, Daly MJ, Brewster SJ, Matise TC, Barrett J, Shea-Drinkwater M, Kang S, Joyce E, Nicoli J, Benson E, Kunkel LM, Perls T (2001) A genome-wide scan for linkage to human exceptional longevity identifies a locus on chromosome 4. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 98: 10505-8.


Lifespan Factors:
  • MTTP microsomal triglyceride transfer protein

  • Longevity Variant Associations (p-value):
  • Chromosome 4 at D4S1564 (0.044)
  • marker D4S1564 (0.044)

  • Update (Admin) | Auto-Update

    Comment on This Data Unit