Research conducted by a team at the Weizmann Institute in Israel indicates that genetics play a far more significant role in determining human lifespan than previously understood. The study, published on October 13, 2023, in the journal Science, suggests that the genetic contribution to longevity is approximately 50%, contrary to earlier beliefs that it ranged between 10% and 25%.
The research team, which included experts from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and Leiden University, analyzed extensive health databases in both Denmark and Sweden. They found that many previous estimates underestimated the influence of hereditary factors due to the limited availability of historical health and mortality data.
For years, scientists largely attributed longevity to non-genetic factors, a view that led to skepticism regarding the genetic components of aging. “For many years, human lifespan was thought to be shaped almost entirely by non-genetic factors,” said Dr. Ben Shenhar from the Weizmann Institute. This misunderstanding stemmed from challenges in accurately identifying mortality causes in historical records, including factors such as war, infectious diseases, and unsafe working conditions.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the publisher of the journal, noted that external environmental forces significantly affect lifespan and often obscure potential genetic influences. The researchers highlighted that hereditary causes of death, particularly due to age-related diseases and genetic mutations, warrant further exploration.
“This creates an incentive to search for gene variants that extend lifespan, in order to understand the biology of aging and, potentially, to address it therapeutically,” said Shenhar. The findings could reshape how researchers approach aging, focusing more on genetic determinants.
Other recent studies have explored additional factors influencing longevity. For instance, research suggests that taurine, an amino acid, may play a role in slowing the aging process. Moreover, the impressive lifespan of the bowhead whale, which can live for over 200 years, has been attributed to a specific protein that helps protect against carcinogenic mutations.
The implications of this research extend beyond academic interest; understanding the genetic basis of longevity could lead to breakthroughs in public health and aging therapies. As scientists continue to unravel the complexities of human lifespan, the focus on genetic factors may pave the way for innovative treatments and interventions.
In summary, the Weizmann Institute’s research underscores the importance of genetics in determining human lifespan, challenging long-held beliefs and opening new avenues for exploration in the fields of aging and public health.
