Scientists discover genetic secrets to aging healthily
科學家發現健康老化的基因奧秘
更新於: 2026年6月22日 上午01:45
In a groundbreaking study from June 2026, researchers have unlocked new genetic secrets to healthy aging.
在2026年6月的一項開創性研究中，研究人員解開了健康老化的新基因秘密。
By studying long-lived families, scientists at Leiden University Medical Center discovered that individuals with long-lived parents often experience a significantly longer 'healthspan'—the period of life spent free from chronic disease.
透過研究長壽家庭，萊頓大學醫學中心(Leiden University Medical Center)的科學家發現，父母長壽的人通常會擁有更長的「健康壽命」(healthspan)——即一生中免於慢性病折磨的時期。
Typically, the cGAS protein triggers inflammation when it detects damaged DNA.
通常，cGAS蛋白質在偵測到受損的DNA時會引發發炎反應。
However, this specific mutation causes the protein to degrade faster, resulting in a controlled inflammatory response.
然而，這種特定的突變會導致蛋白質更快降解，從而產生受控的發炎反應。
Since chronic low-grade inflammation drives many age-related diseases, this quieter response acts as a protective shield against cellular decline.
由於長期的低度發炎是導致許多老化相關疾病的成因，這種較為溫和的反應便成為抵禦細胞衰老的保護盾。
While genes like APOE and FOXO3A are already known, this research highlights how rare, family-specific variants contribute to resilience.
雖然APOE和FOXO3A等基因早已為人所知，但這項研究突顯了罕見的家族特異性變異如何助益於身體的恢復力。
Crucially, genetics only accounts for about 25% of lifespan variation, meaning lifestyle and environment remain vital.
至關重要的是，遺傳因素僅佔壽命變異的約25%，這意味著生活方式和環境仍然至關重要。
By understanding these natural mechanisms, scientists hope to develop targeted therapies to help everyone enjoy healthier, more vibrant years, shifting the focus from simply living longer to living better.
透過了解這些自然機制，科學家希望開發出針對性的療法，幫助每個人享受更健康、更充滿活力的歲月，將重心從單純的「活得長」轉向「活得好」。
