Genotype Linked to Short-Lifespan Affects 1 in 25 People

A new study found that 1 in 25 people had a genotype that is associated with a short lifetime. It disclosed that a pathogenic variant in the BRCA2 gene, that predisposes to breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer, shortens lifespan by seven years, and a variant in the LDLR gene, which raises cholesterol levels and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, shortens lifespan by six years. The study was done by scientists at deCODE Genetics, a subsidiary of Amgen, and published in the journal New England Journal of Medicine (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Actionable Genotypes and Their Association with Life Span in Iceland

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Genetic Variants & Its Associated Impact on Longevity

As the delivery of precision medicine to a population requires a considerable amount of data on genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics of the population, Icelanders are currently exceptionally well suited for this effort because they behold an unprecedented amount of such data.

The scientists used a population-based data set, consisting of 58,000 whole-genome sequenced Icelanders, to assess the fraction of individuals carrying actionable genotypes. The results of this study are among the things that have motivated the government of Iceland to announce a nationwide effort in precision medicine.

Utilizing a list of 73 actionable genes from the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the scientists found that 4% of Icelanders carry an actionable genotype in one or more of these genes. The diseases caused by these genotypes include cardiovascular, cancer, and metabolic diseases.

The study assessed the relationship between actionable genotypes and the lifespan of their carriers. The largest effect was observed among carriers of cancer-predisposing genotypes, which had three years shorter median survival than non-carriers.

“Our results suggest that the actionable genotypes identified in our study, which are all predicted to cause serious disease, may have a drastic effect on lifespan,” said Patrick Sulem author of the paper and scientist at, deCODE genetics.

The results showed that carriers of particular actionable genotypes were more likely to have died from the disease caused by these genotypes. Individuals with a pathogenic variant in BRCA2, have a seven-fold risk of dying from breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer.

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Furthermore, they are 3.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer and 7 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than those who do not carry the variant.

“The identification and disclosure of actionable genotypes to participants can guide clinical decision-making, which may result in improved patient outcomes. This knowledge therefore has significant potential to mitigate disease burden for individuals and society as a whole” said Kari Stefansson, author of the paper and CEO of deCODE genetics.

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Reference:

1. Actionable Genotypes and Their Association with Life Span in Iceland - (https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2300792)

Source-Eurekalert