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Adventurism gene influences longevity
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Scientists have found that a gene that is responsible for social, physical and intellectual activity is associated with longevity. This is what scientists from the University of California, Irvine, claim.
Experts have found that 7R, one of the alleles (variants) of the DRD4 gene, is more common in people who have lived over 90 years, and is also associated with increased lifespan in mice.
A team of scientists, including the study's lead authors Robert Moizis, a professor of biology at the University of California, and psychiatrist Dr. Nora Volkow, a researcher at Brookhaven National Laboratory, conducted a research project, the results of which will appear in the scientific journal Neuroscience.
The gene that experts associate with longevity is associated with a desire for novelty, free thinking and is derived from the dopamine receptor gene.
"While this gene variant may not directly affect life expectancy, it is strongly associated with longevity. In particular, it refers to some personality characteristics that previous research has shown to be important for healthy living and longevity," says Professor Robert Moizis.
Previous research by scientists has already proven that the more socially and physically active a person is, the greater his chances of living a long life.
Numerous studies, including the current one, confirm that leading an active life is important for the aging process, as it can prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
The 7R allele of the DRD4 gene is sometimes called the “adventurism gene” because its carriers are characterized by important behavioral differences from carriers of other variants of the DRD4 gene.
People who carry the 7R allele have a stronger desire to seek out new feelings than other people. In addition, among those who carry the "adventurism gene" there are more people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, they are characterized by increased impulsivity. It plays an important role in the process of normal aging, is responsible for activity and is involved in the prevention of diseases of the central nervous system.
People who live to be over 90 have higher levels of this gene, which scientists have linked to longevity, than people aged seven to 45, the researchers say.
According to experts, the analysis of DRD4 alleles showed that the largest number of carriers of the "adventurism gene" is found among tribes that in the recent past led a nomadic lifestyle and were hunters, rather than among long-settled peoples who have long been engaged in agriculture. Apparently, the "adventurism gene" provides an advantage for adaptation to a nomadic lifestyle, and the transition to a sedentary lifestyle 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 lifespan is reduced.
Experts will continue research in this area to find out how to benefit from the gene that affects human longevity.