Genomes of the Seventeen Oldest Humans Sequenced

 Longevity  

Sequencing fewer than twenty genomes of the world's oldest peopleUsing fewer than 20 genomes, we were unable to find rare protein-altering variants significantly associated with extreme longevity, researchers were unable to find rare protein-altering variants significantly associated with extreme longevity, according to a new study.

B y sequencing 17 genomes of the world's oldest people, researchers were so far unable to find any markers that would potentially be associated with extreme longevity, according to a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.

Supercentenarians are the world’s oldest people, living beyond 110 years of age. Seventy-four are currently alive worldwide. The study authors, led by Hinco Gierman from Stanford University, performed whole-genome sequencing on the individuals to determine if there were any genetic reasons for their extreme longevity.

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"Using fewer than 20 genomes, we were unable to find rare protein-altering variants significantly associated with extreme longevity."

Due to the small sample size, the researchers conclude they were unable to find rare protein-altering variants significantly associated with extreme longevity compared to control genomes. "It is not surprising that a highly complex trait such as longevity is not explained by a single Mendelian gene," the authors conclude.

"Using fewer than 20 genomes, we were unable to find rare protein-altering variants significantly associated with extreme longevity," said Gierman.

They did find that one supercentenarian carries a variant associated with a heart condition, which had little or no effect on his/her health, as this person lived over 110 years.

The authors have publicly published the genomes, making them available as a resource for future studies on the genetic basis of extreme longevity.

SOURCE  PLOS ONE, Top Image - Mike Ip

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