The genetics of human ageing

The past two centuries have witnessed an unprecedented rise in human life expectancy. Sustaining longer lives with reduced periods of disability will require an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of ageing, and genetics is a powerful tool for identifying these mechanisms. Large-scale genome-wide association studies have recently identified many loci that influence key human ageing traits, including lifespan. Multi-trait loci have been linked with several age-related diseases, suggesting shared ageing influences. Mutations that drive accelerated ageing in prototypical progeria syndromes in humans point to an important role for genome maintenance and stability. Together, these different strands of genetic research are highlighting pathways for the discovery of anti-ageing interventions that may be applicable in humans.This article is available to RD&E staff via NHS OpenAthens (subject to full text embargos). Click on the Publisher URL, and log in with NHS OpenAthens if prompted.MR/M023095/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom MRS009892/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdomaccepted version (6 month embargo