Distinguishing between longevity and buffered-deleterious genotypes for exceptional human longevity: the case of the MTP gene

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2012 Nov;67(11):1153-60. doi: 10.1093/gerona/gls103. Epub 2012 Apr 10.

Abstract

The single nucleotide polymorphism, rs2866164, in the MTP gene, has been associated with human longevity but has not been validated by subsequent longevity studies. Using our population of Ashkenazi Jews, we find that the MTP CC genotype is significantly overrepresented in centenarians and their offspring, as compared with controls (p < .05). However, when we examined MTP CC genotype frequency pattern with aging, we observed a monotonic decline between ages 55-85 years followed by a dramatic enrichment after age 90 years, forming a U-shape pattern (p < .05). Furthermore, the MTP CC genotype was buffered by three validated longevity genotypes (p < .05). This buffering effect was found to confer an enrichment of the MTP CC genotype in centenarians, whereas their absence in CC controls resulted in poorer survivorship (p < .05). Thus, we conclude that MTP CC is a buffered-deleterious genotype and that assessing genotype frequency across aging is essential for discerning longevity from buffered-deleterious genotypes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / genetics
  • Alleles
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Genetics, Population
  • Genotype*
  • Humans
  • Jews / genetics
  • Longevity / genetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pedigree
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • microsomal triglyceride transfer protein