Amish Gene Lengthening Life Expectancy

An article recently published on New Scientist, explains the study of a gene variant in the Amish that is actually making them live longer, while also defending them from diabetes. The gene is SERPINE1, which creates a protein responsible for ageing (PAI-1). The gene variant made its appearance six generations ago in an Amish community. The variant caused carriers to produce about half as much of the PAI-1 protein compared to those who were non-carriers.
Douglas Vaughan, of Northwestern University, and a group of researchers studied the SERPINE1 gene in over 170 members of the Old Order Amish community to see if this variant would promote longer life expectancy. Of the 177 members observed, over 40 carried one copy of the variant. DNA, ageing and insulin resistance were all studied throughout the experiment. They discovered that those carriers of the variant lived nearly 10 years longer than the non-carriers. They also found that the carriers had about 30% lower levels of insulin, which is a common sign of slower ageing. Vaughan said that "the carriers appeared to be completely protected from diabetes." Drugs have already began development to target the ageing protein, which is a great find for the medical field.
This is such an interesting article to me. It makes me wonder if this gene variant is present in others and not just the Amish community. Hopefully there will be future studies to see if this is true! This is a awesome and useful information that can really help determine life expectancy for future generations.

Rare Genetic Mutation found in Amish community could combat ageing

Although there are many factors that contribute to longevity, scientists believe that carriers of a certain mutation allow parts of this Amish community to live a full 10 years longer than non-carriers. The scientists at Northwestern University in Chicago studied 177 people in one Amish community, identifying 43 that contain one normal version and one mutated version of the serpine1 gene. This gene provides instructions to make a protein called PAI-1 which "has a hand in a process called senescence, where cells go into a state of suspended animation and steadily buildup in the body's tissues". Some studies in animals showed that a decreased level of this protein can help protect against age-related disease. Trials are already underway to slightly reduce levels of PAI-1 in the blood. 

I think the fact that humans are living longer than ever and even mores science is on it's way to keep us here longer might be a problem in the future. For now however, it's interesting to see the lengths people will go to live a longer life. 

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/nov/15/rare-genetic-mutation-found-in-amish-community-could-combat-ageing

http://www.rarecoagulationdisorders.org/diseases/plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-type-1-deficiency/disease-overview-2