In the first human genetic study of its type, Dr. Thomas Perls, a researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, isolated chromosome 4 as the locus of at least one of the genes linked to longevity.
The discovery is a significant step in unraveling the mystery of why some people live for 90 years or more and remain in relatively good health in spite of less than exemplary lifestyles, while others who have been meticulous about eating well, exercising and avoiding such risk factors as smoking fall prey to devastating illnesses.
Once the genetic code for longevity is cracked, Perls believes scientists will be able to develop “genetic booster rockets to get us beyond 85 in good health” and avoid disease.
Perls said a person’s genes can’t be changed, but his greatest hope is that these studies will lead to the development of a chemical compound that mimics the longevity genes and can be used to produce medicines to protect people from diseases like Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
“We’re not trying to find the fountain of youth; we’re trying to find the fountain of aging well,” he said.
“No one wants to live to be 100 and be in poor health, but the nonagenarians and centenarians we studied are in amazingly good health. You don’t live to be 100 unless you’ve escaped catastrophic disease. We hope this research will lead to preventing the catastrophic illnesses,” Perls said.
The original molecular genetics study that Perls and his associates conducted involved 308 long-lived people from 107 families with a history of longevity, which he defines as living well beyond the age of 85 free of catastrophic disease.
Through the process of genome scans, the study looked at genetic markers to discover what long-lived people have in common genetically rather than by chance. The study involved taking blood samples from participants, isolating the DNA and then doing scans to isolate the longevity gene. The study identified chromosome 4 as having at least 10 genes that may contribute to longevity, according to Perls.
Many of the elderly participants in the study admitted to not having paid much attention to diet or other lifestyle considerations.
Joe Wilcox, an 89-year-old study subject, considers himself proof that longevity is in the genes, not lifestyle. His aunt and uncle both lived into their 90s and his grandfather lived to be 108 in spite of eating bacon, cheese and salt. Wilcox himself reported that he had never paid “any particular attention to diet” and ate hamburgers almost every day.
Perls’ study yielded information that contradicts the results of earlier research conducted in Sweden that showed twins who were separated at birth either did or did not live long, healthy lives based on environmental and lifestyle factors. The Swedish study indicated that 80 percent of the differences between twins that lived long and well and those who did not were environmentally based.
However, Perls pointed out, the Swedish research studied people in their 70s and 80s. He’s looking at folks who have lived much longer.
“The results of our research contradicts conventional science,” Perls said.
Studies are ongoing because, Perls said, researchers need to isolate the genes in chromosome 4 that enable longevity and disease resistance. They are also looking for other chromosomes and genes to complete the picture that may lead to medicines that can protect those who were not fortunate enough to be born with the longevity genes. Currently Perls’ study involving more than 1,500 people worldwide is the largest genetic survey of centenarians.
Perls and his associates are continuing their genome-wide scan for the fountain of aging well, and they’re looking for folks 90 and older to participate in the study. The process is simple, according to Perls. Potential participants or their family members can call toll-free (888) 333-6327 for more information or to sign up for the study. A brief interview to ascertain health history and information about the family tree will be conducted over the telephone by research assistants.
“Visiting nurses will come to your home to collect a blood sample and that’s all there is to it for participants,” Perls said.
While it may take years for scientists to develop the medicines needed to inoculate people against diseases, Perls believes his research can give people the hope that they “don’t have to live with the genetic hand they’ve been dealt.”