Abstract
Classical evolutionary theory predicts the existence of genes with antagonistic effects on longevity and various components of early-life fitness. Quantitative genetic studies have provided convincing evidence that such genes exist. However, antagonistic pleiotropic effects have rarely been attributed to individual loci. We examine several classes of longevity-assurance genes: those involved in regulation of the gonad; the insulin-like growth factor pathway; free-radical scavenging; heat shock proteins and apoptosis. We find initial evidence that antagonistic pleiotropic effects are pervasive in each of these classes of genes and in various model systems - although most studies lack explicit studies of fitness components. This is particularly true of human studies. Very little is known about the early-life fitness effects of longevity loci. Given the possible medical importance of such effects we urge their future study.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 421-429 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Mechanisms of Ageing and Development |
Volume | 126 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Aging
- Developmental Biology