European geneticists have already discovered 16 genetic variations that are associated with human life expectancy.

This includes three genes, whose low expression in the brain is associated with longevity.

Everyone has heard that longevity is a gift from ancestors.

Millions of people would like to know what the mother-nature has bestowed on our DNA. Unique information collected by scientists can be used to develop the first genetic test for life expectancy.

In the United States, life expectancy has already approached 79 years. The leading causes of death in this country are heart and vascular disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

If you cope with them, how long will the person live?.

100, 120 or all 150 years - more accurately measure the time limit would allow a genetic test for life expectancy. But first you need to map the most important genetic markers of our longevity. Until recently, science knew only two genetic markers of longevity - the ability to survive the 85-year boundary. The study by Professor Zoltan Kutalik of the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine of Lausanne added another 14 points.

Details of the project are reported in the journal Nature Communications.

How are the three genes in the brain associated with longevity?.

Professor Kutalik and his colleagues conducted a rigorous analysis of data collected from 116 279 people and compared them with 2.3 million known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These polymorphisms are clearly associated with severe age-related diseases. According to researchers, 1 in 10 people carry genetic markers that determine a reduction in life expectancy. They explain that the inheritance of each of these gene variations reduces the expected life expectancy by an average of 7 months.

"Harmful" SNPs in genes are associated, for example, with alcohol and drug addiction, smoking, dementia. Low expression of three genes - RBM6, SULTA1 and CHRNA5 - means high chances for longevity.

Experiments on animals have shown that the activity of the CHRNA5 gene contributes to the addiction to nicotine. The latter, in turn, increases the risk of cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, shortens life. If you find this genetic variation - beware of cigarettes! But if scientists can "turn it off" ... Are animal and human models comparable?.

Co-author of the project, Johan Over of the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, said that for some experiments with "longevity genes" had to use laboratory mice.

"We found that mice with a reduced expression of RBM6 in the brain live longer than their relatives. Interestingly, gene expression affects food preferences by controlling appetite. Moderate food is the way to good health and longevity, "adds Professor Robinson-Reschawi of the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. The researchers managed to draw interesting parallels between the molecular mechanisms of longevity in animals and humans, discovering surprisingly much in common between the organism of rodents and homo sapiens.

In parallel with the new discovery, Swiss programmers created an updated, more effective program for studying the genetic aspects of longevity. Union of Genetics and Bioinformatics promises to bring new markers and tests in the near future.

Perhaps in a few years any person will be able to pass the test for longevity, having learned their weaknesses and chances. Instead of the classic advice "move more" or "limit the sweet", each of us will be able to get from the doctor the best personal recommendations.

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