This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Services Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire PubMed PubMed Citation

Genetic Variation and Human Aging: Progress and Prospects

Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, United Kingdom.

Address correspondence to David Melzer, MB, BCh, Peninsula Medical School, RD&E Wonford Site, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, United Kingdom. E-mail: david.melzer{at}pms.ac.uk

The genetics of aging has seen extraordinary progress over the last few decades, with animal models suggesting key roles for a number of metabolic pathways. However, humans outlive laboratory models many times over, and only evidence from humans can ultimately identify the drivers of human aging. In this article we thematically review progress in identifying human genetic variants associated with longevity. We also look at the bigger picture of progress in identifying genetic associates of disease and functioning and healthy aging in older people. Although much of the existing evidence is fragmentary, recent exciting findings and robust methods are taking the field rapidly forward.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				B. J. Willcox, D. C. Willcox, and L. Ferrucci Secrets of Healthy Aging and Longevity From Exceptional Survivors Around the Globe: Lessons From Octogenarians to Supercentenarians J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., November 1, 2008; 63(11): 1181 - 1185. [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Liang, J. M. Bennett, B. A. Shaw, A. R. Quinones, W. Ye, X. Xu, and M. B. Ofstedal Gender Differences in Functional Status in Middle and Older Age: Are There Any Age Variations? J. Gerontol. B. Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci., September 1, 2008; 63(5): S282 - S292. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. Melzer, S. Hogarth, K. Liddell, T. Ling, S. Sanderson, and R. L Zimmern Genetic tests for common diseases: new insights, old concerns BMJ, March 15, 2008; 336(7644): 590 - 593. [Full Text] [PDF]