According to research from the University of Bologna (Italy), the extreme longevitythat is, the ability of some people to exceed 100 years of age in good health, could have an origin associated with prehistoric ancestors.
These genes could come from Neanderthals and the Denisovanswhose genetic traces still persist in modern human DNA.
The study analyzed the genome of 333 Italian centenarians and compared it with that of younger adults to identify the influence of Western hunter-gatherer (WHG) ancestors on extreme longevity.
The results showed that some of the genes linked to longevity They did not emerge recently, but were already present in archaic human populations that inhabited Eurasia tens of thousands of years ago.
These prehistoric ancestors faced extremely hostile environments: cold climates, food shortages and high exposure to diseases.
In this context, individuals who managed to survive longer tended to possess genetic variants that They promoted better cellular repair, a more efficient immune response and a metabolism more resistant to environmental stress.
With the interbreeding between modern humans and these archaic populations, part of that DNA was incorporated in our genome.
The researchers point out that it is not a single “longevity gene but rather a set of genetic variants that, combined, can increase the chances of living longer.
More precisely, the centenarians analyzed have a higher proportion of Western Hunter-Gatherer (WHG) genetic inheritance compared to younger people. Having this lineage increases the chances of achieving extreme longevity by 38%.
What genes we inherit from our ancestors and how they impact longevity
The study identified an unusual concentration of ancient genetic variants in the chromosome 12. These pieces of prehistoric DNA act as a «biological shield» in three critical areas of the human body.
- Metabolic Regulation: They facilitate more efficient management of fats and sugars, which reduces the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
- Cell survival: They help maintain the integrity of cells for longer, delaying the deterioration of aging.
- Immune Robustness: These genes were «trained» by natural selection to resist ancient pathogens and extreme climates, which today translates into a better response to infections and less chronic inflammation.
Scientists emphasize that longevity It doesn’t just depend on genetics. Lifestyle, diet, access to health and the social environment continue to be determining factors.
However, this study reveals that some people start with an advantage inherited from ancestors who lived thousands of years ago and this explains why certain populations have a higher proportion of long-lived people.
Genetic mixing with ancient human groups was not uniform across the planet, meaning that distribution of these genes varies by region and the migratory history of each population.
Furthermore, the discovery changes the outlook on crossbreeding between modern humans and archaic species.
Such ancient DNA was long thought to be irrelevant or even harmful. Today, science shows that some of that genetic inheritance could be contributing to a longer, healthier life.
