Hypothetical soluble KIR2DS4 natural killer cell receptor molecule does not associate with successful ageing in the Irish

Investigation of deletion of 22pb in KIR2DS4 gene in a population of southern Brazil

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of full-length and deleted variants of KIR2DS4 in a population of southern Brazil and compare the results with other populations, as well as comparing two techniques, PCR-SSP and PCR-SSO, for typing of variants.

METHODS

258 individuals from southern Brazil were analysed by PCR-SSO ("polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific oligonucleotides", One Lambda, Inc., Canoga Park, CA), of which 161 were also analysed by PCR-SSP.

RESULTS

The study population showed similarities with other Caucasian populations; 46.5% of individuals had only KIR2DS4 variants, 21.3% had the full-length form and 25.1% had both forms.

CONCLUSION

The frequencies found in both groups (genotyped by PCR-SSP and PCR-SSO) were 100% concordant.

Successful aging: from phenotype to genotype

Despite worldwide interest in the increasing human "healthspan," inadequate experimental attention has been dedicated to identifying genetic influences on successful aging beyond those that influence longevity alone. Although it is an under-studied topic, some promising leads have emerged from the existing genetic studies of successful aging. Here we describe the results of a systematic review of published family, twin, linkage, and association studies of successful aging that evaluated at least one other characteristic of healthy aging in addition to longevity. We identified 29 studies that met our criteria. Although methodological inconsistencies in sampling and phenotypes were frequent, we found evidence for a substantial genetic contribution to successful aging, including several specific genes (APOE, GSTT1, IL6, IL10, PON1, and SIRT3) that are promising candidates for future molecular genetic research. In addition to reviewing this literature, we provide recommendations for advancing our understanding of the genetic basis of successful aging.