This Ancient DNA Might Be the Reason People Live to 100 and Beyond
Indian Defence Review••health
Key Points:
- A genetic study led by Italian researchers found that centenarians have a higher proportion of DNA from Western Hunter-Gatherers, Ice Age populations predating farming in Europe, which may influence aging, stress response, and immunity.
- The research analyzed DNA from over 1,000 Italians and identified that the Villabruna genetic cluster, dating back 14,000 years, appears more frequently in those living past 100, especially women.
- Genetic variants linked to immune response and cellular repair, inherited from these ancient populations, may contribute to longevity by helping regulate inflammation and stress, though no single gene guarantees longer life.
- Women showed a stronger genetic connection to hunter-gatherer ancestry, aligning with Italy's demographic data where over 90
