The epigenetic changes in four genes related to cholesterol, lung function and maternal longevity seemed to have a significant impact on aging and longevity, researchers at King’s College London and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute found.

Epigenetic refers to hereditary genetic modifications that do not change underlying DNA sequences.

By identifying these genes, they hope to pinpoint what they need to target in anti-aging studies.

As people get older, the “aging” genes are switched off by natural mechanisms called epigenetic factors. The mechanism that controls gene activity such as rate of healthy aging and potential longevity is influenced by outside factors like diet and environment.

In other words, how people live their life can influence their lifespan.

Such changes are triggered at a relatively early age and continue for the remainder of life.

Researchers studied 172 twins aged 32 to 80 and looked for epigenetic changes in their DNA in relation to their actual age, and found 490 age-related changes. In an identical study on 44 younger twins aged 22 to 61, many of the changes were also found, suggesting that the changes are initiated early in life.

The exact mechanism that set off these changes is yet to be discovered.

However, if further research reveals a biological mechanism behind the aging process it could be possible to develop ways to slow down biological aging.



By Yoon Min-sik
(minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)