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Antagonistic Pleiotropy

All articles tagged with #antagonistic pleiotropy

science1 year ago

Huntington's Gene Linked to Boosted Brain Development and IQ

A study from the University of Iowa reveals that the genetic mutation causing Huntington's disease (HD) enhances early brain development and intelligence, but leads to degeneration in adulthood. This supports the theory of antagonistic pleiotropy, where genetic traits beneficial in early life incur costs later. The findings suggest that treatments should focus on slowing brain aging rather than silencing the HD gene, potentially reshaping understanding of HD pathology and contributing to targeted therapies.

science2 years ago

The Genetic Link Between Fertility and Lifespan

A study analyzing the genes of over 276,000 participants found that genetic variants promoting reproduction are associated with a shorter lifespan. The research supports the antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis, which suggests that traits promoting fertility in early life can have negative consequences for health and longevity in old age. The study also found that genetic variants promoting reproduction have increased over generations, indicating ongoing human evolution. While environmental factors play a significant role in aging, the study highlights the strong influence of reproductive genes on the aging process and could have implications for understanding and preventing age-related diseases.

science2 years ago

The Paradox of Fertility: How Reproduction Impacts Lifespan

A study led by the University of Michigan supports the antagonistic pleiotropy theory of aging, which suggests that genetic mutations that promote reproduction tend to shorten human lifespan. The study analyzed genetic and health information from over 276,000 individuals and found a strong negative correlation between reproduction and lifespan. However, the authors note that genetic factors play a minor role compared to environmental factors in determining lifespan and reproductive behavior. The study provides genome-wide evidence for the evolutionary explanation of senescence proposed by biologist George Williams in 1957.