The Open Genes Database of Associations with Aging and Longevity

The Open Genes database provides summaries of the information available on longevity-associated genes, from well-established and well-replicated effects such as that associated with klotho expression, to much less well supported data. Thousands of genes have at least a study or two suggesting an effect on longevity in studies of lower animals, and many of those may turn out to be experimental error. Yet since every fundamental cellular process can be influenced by dozens or hundreds of genes, even though there are comparatively few important processes of aging, one might well expect there be to be thousands of related genes. Looking at the practical outcome of all of this study, at the end of the day, the large human epidemiological databases and genetic studies suggest that common gene variants have very little effect on longevity when compared to the impact of lifestyle choices. Genetics, I suspect, is not the road to human rejuvenation. Instead, therapies that repair specific forms of damage will be needed. The Open Genes database was created to enhance and simplify the search for potential aging therapy targets. We collected data on 2402 genes associated with aging and developed convenient tools for searching and comparing gene features. A comprehensive description of genes has been provided, including lifespan-extending interventions, age-related changes, longevity associations, gene evolution, associations with diseases and hallmarks of aging, and functions of ...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs