The International Centenarian Genome Project, the largest genetic study of extreme longevity ever attempted, has identified 25 previously unknown gene variants strongly associated with living past 100 years of age.
By sequencing the complete genomes of 5,000 centenarians and supercentenarians (aged 110+) from 12 countries and comparing them to 50,000 age-matched controls, researchers pinpointed genetic variants involved in DNA repair, immune regulation, cardiovascular protection, and stress resistance.
"What surprised us most was the convergence on DNA repair pathways," said Professor Nir Barzilai of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, who co-led the project. "Centenarians don't avoid DNA damage — they're simply better at fixing it."
Five of the newly identified variants are in genes controlling the efficiency of base excision repair, a critical DNA maintenance mechanism. Centenarians carrying these variants showed 40% fewer somatic mutations in their cells compared to same-age individuals without the variants.
The findings are already informing drug development efforts. Several pharmaceutical companies are working on small molecules that could mimic the effects of these protective gene variants, potentially offering the benefits of centenarian genetics to the broader population.
The project also confirmed that while genetics account for approximately 25-30% of longevity variation, lifestyle factors remain the dominant influence — suggesting that most people have significant room to improve their lifespan through behavioral changes.