If you lead an active, extroverted life and are something of a thrill seeker, you might be genetically primed to live into your 90s or longer, according to a new study by a team that included UC Irvine researchers.

A variation of a much-studied gene involved in transmission of dopamine, a key component of the brain's reward and learning system, was found to be far more frequent among the very old.

Martha Ettl celebrates her 100th birthday in San Clemente in February. UC Irvine scientists say they've found a variant of a single gene that promotes longer life in humans as well as laboratory mice.

FIL EPHOTO: ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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And the same gene variant was also linked to longer life in mice.

The variant itself might not extend lifespan directly, said Robert Moyzis, a UCI biological chemistry professor and an author of the study.

Instead, it appears to predispose those who bear it to a more vigorous lifestyle.

"This particular variation has already been associated with personality traits that are much more outgoing, much more socially engaged," Moyzis said. "We think it's a simple as that. Obviously, if you are much more likely to be engaged in physical and intellectual activities as you age, there have been many studies that have shown that is a good predictor of adding a few more years to your life."

The human subjects in the study came from Laguna Woods, part of a group involved in the Leisure World Cohort Study that began in 1981. It included people who were 90 years old or older in 2003; most of them have since passed away, Moyzis said.

Continued here:
Longer-life gene variant found in study

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