How much of aging is genetic?

We all have ~20,000 genes encoded in our genome. Some of these genes are important for metabolism, others for transporting oxygen around our bodies and others that control our hair growth. But are there any genes for longevity? Well, to cut a very interesting story short, no, there are no such things as longevity genes. BUT, the story does not end there… So hello and welcome to the Sheekey science show where in this video I’ve prepared an interesting tale of exploration into this question, from understanding why there is no such thing as “longevity genes” to discussing the heritability of longevity to why it is rather possible that you have genetic variants that will have some impact over your longevity.

TIMESTAMPS:
Intro - 00:00
Genetics of aging - 00:50
Longevity signalling pathways - 02:00
Monogenic vs. polygenic - 03:20
Longevity as a complex trait - 04:50
Genome wide association studies - 06:00
Human longevity genetics - 07:00
How heritable is lifespan? - 09:30

REFERENCES:

[mahadib.alyami]

This is one of your best videos! Thank you so much for such a wonderful, educational content. 🙏🌹

[WorthlessWinner]

It's a semantic question if it's a gene "for" longevity. I'd say that, if a mutation results in increased longevity, then it's a gene variant "for" longevity, as much as it's a variant "for" anything else. That is, I'd define the function of a gene as whatever it happens to do.
You could argue what it evolved for is what it's for, but we rarely know that and it's original function has often been changed over time.

[adishgupta]

Good man, nice work done and thanks for explaining beautiful in simple words.

[dontmindme]

You didn’t cover health-span but I’m sure the factors are similar to what you described here, great video.

[jordanmeija]

🖖Thanks for your information. God Bless You...Live long and prosper...

[Nanoukdelest]

did you change your mic? it's less sharp it's great ;)

[josephjroy]

Can gene researchers use a different hallmark of aging other then diseases, for example, the onset of puberty? The transition of a animal from child to adulthood is biological AGING. What are the genes that determines the appropriate age to develop puberty? Are we be able to reverse puberty genetically?

[kreek]

There is a significant correlation between intelligence and longevity in modern humans, even after adjusting for income levels. But, then, intelligence is positively correlated with almost all known heritable traits--except autism and myopia.

[luckssj]

You need to talk to Dr David Sinclair and get him on your show.

[blastone]

Cool video.. I have those foxo3 variants lol

[ioanmariandanila]

I wonder if the DNA repair genes, of which mutations decrease lifespan, could be considered longevity genes.

[ioanmariandanila]

If DNA damages cause aging, and if the human zygote does not contain any DNA damage, then how much of aging is heritable?

[StuJones-gnte]

We can only guess, but from all my reading, I'd say exactly ZERO percent of aging past full adult growth is genetic.

In spite of literally, hundreds (possibly thousands, if you credit the ancients) of years of research and serious attempts at studies since the 1960s, and increasing efforts every year, there is ZERO credible evidence of ANY genetic aging effect.

Therefore, aging is entirely caused by environment.

[mdavid]

There must be some genetic regulator of lifespan, as we live longer than chimpanzees, they live longer than dogs, etc. What genes set maximum lifespan in mammals.🤨

[troyhayder]

Apparently 38 is genetic death...which means im on borrowed time...

[ProsperityManifested]

This is conterintuitive and unlikely, it feels like a genes of the gaps kind of argument.

[ioanmariandanila]

Cancer is the second cause of mortality, and has epigenetic or/and genetic causes. Cancer is an aging-associated disease.

[rejeanorscott]

Have you seen literature that connect sex hormones like estrogen to longevity?

[ioanmariandanila]

Dear Sheekey, why the bowhead whale is the longest-lived mammal known?

[surfreadjumpsleep]

Heterozygous APOE4. :(. Would be happy for an APOE2 gene therapy