Longevity Influenced by Neurotransmitter Gene Variation

Researchers working with a fruit fly model have found that the gene for the enzyme DOPA decarboxylase (DDC), which is required for the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, has an effect on the longevity of the organism.

Investigators at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC, USA) reported in a paper published July 27, 2003, in the online edition of Nature Genetics that three natural variants in the DDC gene accounted for 15% percent of the genetic contribution to variation in life span among strains of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.

"This is a surprisingly large effect for a gene affecting a complex trait, such as longevity or body size, which is typically controlled by many genes with relatively small effects,” said senior author Dr. Trudy Mackay, professor of genetics at North Carolina State University.

"Our results have real implications for humans,” said Dr. Mackay. "The DDC gene is a strong candidate for regulation of longevity in humans. The various genome projects active today have revealed an astounding similarity in the genetic makeup of organisms as disparate as yeast, Drosophila, and humans. For instance, over two-thirds of the known human disease genes have corresponding genes in Drosophila, and genes affecting key biological processes seem to be conserved across all animals.”





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