DNA Study Identifies Key Factor for Living Beyond One Hundred
A new study has identified a key factor that may contribute to living beyond 100 years old. The research focused on the genetic makeup of centenarians and shed light on how specific individuals can maintain good health and high quality of life well into their golden years.
According to the study, individuals who live to be 100 years old or older may have a unique immune system that stays active even in advanced age, contributing to their remarkable longevity.
Researchers and those from the Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that people who live 100 years or older possess a unique makeup of immune cells that results in highly effective immune systems.
What Causes Aging in Humans?
Previous research has indicated that the deterioration of the immune system is one of the primary factors associated with aging. As a result, immune cells play a crucial role in disease recovery and promoting longevity.
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The study found that a particular gene variant, FOXO3, was significantly more common among centenarians than the general population. FOXO3 is a gene that plays a role in regulating cell growth. It also repairs and aids in controlling the body’s response to stress.
According to the study’s authors, this gene variant appears to help protect against age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia. This variant is likely because it helps to regulate the activity of other genes involved in these processes.
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The DNA Study Findings
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In the study published in the journal Lancet eBiomedicine, researchers utilized single-cell. They sequence them to analyze the molecules in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). It is a diverse group of immune cells circulating in the blood.
Seven individuals over one hundred years old donated PBMCs for the New England Centenarian Study. The study is one of North America’s most extensive studies of long-lived individuals.
Using advanced computational techniques, the researchers analyzed how the proportion of different cells and their internal activities change with age.
Through this analysis, they identified unique changes in the composition and function of specific cell types in centenarians. It reflects typical immune responses with age.
The centenarians’ cell type
“We gathered and analyzed what is, to our knowledge, the largest single-cell dataset of centenarians,” the study’s senior author Stefano Monti said.
“That allowed us to classify unique features of this sect that support the identification of molecular and lifestyle factors that contribute to their longevity.”
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“Our data support the theory that centenarians have protective factors that allow them to recover from disease and reach extreme old ages,” said Tanya Karagiannis, another DNA study author.
According to scientists, the immune system can adapt as individuals encounter infections and recover from them throughout their lives. However, this capacity typically diminishes as they age.
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The findings from the study of centenarians’ immune profiles suggest that they have a lengthy record of exposure to infections. They also have the ability to recuperate from them.
As senior author Paola Sebastiani stated, this supports the theory that centenarians possess protective elements that boost their capacity to recover from infections.
The researchers found many other genetic variations associated with living beyond 100. The study indicates that a complex interplay of factors determines lifespan.
Factors Associated with Longevity
Other factors linked to longevity include lifestyle habits such as exercise, a healthy diet, and not smoking. Other factors include social and environmental attributes such as social support and access to healthcare.
These factors can all play a role in maintaining proper health and reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
The researchers suggest that the results establish a basis for enhancing our comprehension of the mechanisms responsible for immune resilience as we age. This factor contributes to remarkable longevity.
Study senior author George J. Murphy stated that centenarians and their extraordinary longevity offer an example of how we might lead more fruitful and healthy lives.
The research team intends to investigate further ways to enhance resilience against illnesses and extend one’s health span.
