The gene for adventurism affects longevity
Last reviewed: 28.11.2021
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Scientists have found out that the gene that is responsible for social, physical and intellectual activity is associated with longevity. So say scientists from the University of California in Irvine.
Specialists have found that 7R is one of the alleles (variants) of the DRD4 gene, more common in people who have lived more than 90 years, and it is associated with an increase in life expectancy in mice.
The team of scientists, which included the lead authors of the study: Professor of Biology at the University of California Robert Moisies and a psychiatrist Dr. Nora Volkov, a researcher at the Brookhaven National Laboratory conducted research work, the results of which appear on the pages of the scientific journal Neuroscience.
The gene that specialists associate with longevity is associated with a craving for novelty, free-thinking and is derived from the dopamine receptor gene.
"Despite the fact that this variant of the gene can not have a direct effect on life expectancy, it is closely related to longevity. In particular, we mean some characteristics of personality, which, as previous studies show, are important for a healthy lifestyle and longevity, "says Professor Robert Moisis.
Previous research of scientists has already proved that the more socially and physically active a person is, the more he has the chance to live a long life.
Numerous studies, including the current one, confirm that active life is important for the aging process, because this can scare away the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
The allele 7R of the DRD4 gene is sometimes also referred to as the "adventurism gene", because its owners are characterized by important behavioral differences from carriers of other variants of the DRD4 gene.
People who carry the allele 7R are stronger than other people's desire to find new feelings. In addition, among the holders of the "adventurism gene" people with a lack of attention and hyperactivity syndrome are more common, they are characterized by increased impulsiveness. It plays an important role in the process of normal aging, is responsible for the activity and participates in the prevention of diseases of the central nervous system.
In the body of people who have lived more than 90 years, this gene, which scientists associate with longevity, is present in greater numbers than in people between the ages of seven and forty-five years old, the researchers say.
According to experts, the analysis of DRD4 alleles showed that most of the carriers of the "adventurism gene" are found among tribes that in the recent past led a nomadic way of life and were hunters rather than long-settled people who have long been engaged in agriculture. Apparently, the "adventurism gene" gives an advantage for adaptation under the nomadic style of life, and the transition to a settled life makes its manifestations more harmful than useful.
The absence of this gene in mice in 7-9.7% of cases leads to the fact that their years of life are reduced.
Experts will continue research in this area to find out how to benefit from a gene that affects the longevity of a person.