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Science 17 October 1997:
Vol. 278. no. 5337, pp. 407 - 411
DOI: 10.1126/science.278.5337.407
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Articles

Genetics of Aging

Caleb E. Finch, * Rudolph E. Tanzi

The role of genetics in determining life-span is complex and paradoxical. Although the heritability of life-span is relatively minor, some genetic variants significantly modify senescence of mammals and invertebrates, with both positive and negative impacts on age-related disorders and life-spans. In certain examples, the gene variants alter metabolic pathways, which could thereby mediate interactions with nutritional and other environmental factors that influence life-span. Given the relatively minor effect and variable penetrance of genetic risk factors that appear to affect survival and health at advanced ages, life-style and other environmental influences may profoundly modify outcomes of aging.

C. E. Finch is in the Neurogerontology Division, Andrus Gerontology Center, and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191, USA. R. E. Tanzi is in the Genetics and Aging Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Center Building 149, 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
*   To whom correspondence should be addressed.

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