![Genetic Influences]()
Genes significantly influence blood levels of the hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and the IGF-binding protein IGFBP-3. Since levels of both are associated with increased risk for mortality and disease (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer), identifying genes influencing circulating levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 could lead to drugs that target IGF-1, its receptors and its binding proteins. In the June 21, 2016 edition of Aging Cell, Robert Kaplan, Ph.D., and colleagues report results of a meta-analysis of 21 genome-wide association studies conducted on more than 30,000 adults of European ancestry. The study confirmed the list of loci previously identified as associated with circulating IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 concentrations and added two gene variants to the list: the IGF-1-decreasing allele of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)rs934073 was associated with thinness and greater likelihood of living beyond age 90; and the known longevity-associated variant rs2153960 (FOXO3) was found to be a significant SNP for reduced IGF-1 concentration. Dr. Kaplan is professor of epidemiology & population health, and the Dorothy and William Manealoff Foundation and Molly Rosen Chair in Social Medicine.
Posted on: Friday, July 22, 2016