On March 22, 2024, Aging Cell published research co-authored by seven AFAR experts: Gil Atzmon, PhD; Nir Barzilai, MD; Pinchas Cohen, MD; Su Jeong Kim, PhD; Hiroshi Kumagai, PhD; Patrick Sullivan, PhD, and Kelvin Yen, PhD.
The paper highlights the discovery of a genetic mutation in mitochondrial protein that may promote longevity, preserve cognitive function, and protect people who are genetically prone to Alzheimer's disease.
The abstract states:
“The APOE4 allele is recognized as a significant genetic risk factor to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and influences longevity. Nonetheless, some APOE4 carriers exhibit resistance to AD even in advanced age… Our findings suggest a role of the rare humanin variant P3S, especially prevalent among individuals of Ashkenazi descent, in mitigating amyloid beta pathology and facilitating phagocytosis in APOE4-linked amyloidosis, underscoring its significance in longevity and cognitive health among APOE4 carriers.”
Dr. Atzmon received a 2011 AFAR Research Grant.
Dr. Barzilai is a 1997 Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging scholar and 1994 AFAR Research Grant recipient, as well as AFAR Deputy Scientific Director.
Dr. Cohen is a 2017 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Breakthroughs in Gerontology (BIG) Award recipient.
Dr. Kim is a 2014 Ellison/AFAR Postdoctoral Fellows in Aging Research Program recipient and a 2016 Glenn/AFAR Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for Translational Research on Aging recipient.
Dr. Kumagai is a 2023 Glenn foundation for Medical Research and AFAR Grants for Junior Faculty recipient.
Dr. Sullivan was awarded a 2004 AFAR Research Grant.
Dr. Yen is a 2012 Ellison Medical Foundation/AFAR Postdoctoral Fellows recipient.
Read “Humanin variant P3S is associated with longevity in APOE4 carriers and resists APOE4-induced brain pathology” here.
