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GENETICS OF SUCCESSFUL AGING (GenSA)
Genes play an important role in the determination of lifespan across the evolutionary spectrum from prokaryotes to mammals. Available information regarding the effects of genes on the lifespans of mammalian species derives entirely from the identification of genotypes that shorten lifespan. In all cases, these genetic effects are mediated through associations with diseases that increase age-specific mortality rates.
Existing evidence from human studies support an important role for genetic factors in the determination of lifespan. Lifespans are significantly more consistent among family members than in the populations from which they are recruited. No precedent yet exists for genes that increase the lifespan of humans beyond the upper boundary observed in the general population.
The specific aims of this proposal are to identify and characterize genes that influence the human lifespan.
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