A polymorphism of the YTHDF2 gene (1p35) located in an Alu-rich genomic domain is associated with human longevity.

Authors: Cardelli M; Marchegiani F; Cavallone L; Olivieri F; Giovagnetti S; Mugianesi E; Moresi R; Lisa R; Franceschi C

Abstract: The uneven distribution of Alu repetitive elements in the human genome is related to specific functional properties of genomic regions. We report the identification of a locus associated with human longevity in one of the chromosomal regions with the highest density of Alu elements, in 1p35. The locus, corresponding to a (TG)n microsatellite in the YTHDF2 gene, was identified by characterizing an "anonymous" marker detectable through inter-Alu fingerprinting, which previously evidenced an increased homozygosity in centenarians. After genotyping 412 participants of different ages, including 137 centenarians, we confirmed the increased homozygosity in centenarians at this locus, and observed a concomitantly increased frequency of the most frequent allele and the corresponding homozygous genotype. Remarkably, the same genotype was associated with increased YTHDF2 messenger RNA levels in immortalized lymphocytes. Finally, YTHDF2 messenger RNA resulted to be mainly expressed in testis and placenta. The data suggest a possible role of this locus in human longevity.

Keywords: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alu Elements/*genetics; Female; Genotype; Humans; Introns; Longevity/*genetics; Lymphocytes/metabolism; Male; Middle Aged; *Polymorphism, Genetic; RNA, Messenger/*genetics; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
Journal: The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
Volume: 61
Issue: 6
Pages: 547-56
Date: June 27, 2006
PMID: 16799135
Select reference article to upload


Citation:

Cardelli M, Marchegiani F, Cavallone L, Olivieri F, Giovagnetti S, Mugianesi E, Moresi R, Lisa R, Franceschi C (2006) A polymorphism of the YTHDF2 gene (1p35) located in an Alu-rich genomic domain is associated with human longevity. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences 61: 547-56.


Lifespan Factors:
  • YTHDF2 YTH domain family, member 2

  • Longevity Variant Associations (p-value):
  • rs28969505 (0.023)
  • rs28969505 (0.023)
  • rs28969505 (0.047)

  • Update (Admin) | Auto-Update

    Comment on This Data Unit