Genes linked to living past 100
Genetics of extreme human longevity
Researchers are looking for gene differences in people who reach age 100+ to find clues that could help prevent or delay age-related diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161517 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project compares DNA from healthy people who lived to 100 or older with DNA from people without a family history of extreme longevity. The team uses whole-exome sequencing to find rare genetic variants that are more common in centenarians. They combine those rare variants with common-variant polygenic scores to build a broader genetic picture of longevity. The researchers aim to use identified gene targets as starting points for developing drugs or other interventions to prevent or delay multiple age-related diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy centenarians (people aged 100+) and comparison volunteers without a family history of extreme longevity.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for active, advanced illnesses are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this genetics-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify genes or pathways that lead to new treatments to prevent, delay, or lessen age-related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous sequencing of centenarian groups has found promising gene variants, but translating those findings into therapies remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zhengdong — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zhengdong
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.