An open lecture on the genetic basis of longevity was held at KBSU

As part of Science Week at Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov, Zalina Bogotova, Associate Professor of the Department of Biology, Geoecology, and Molecular-Genetic Foundations of Living Systems at the Institute of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (IMiEN), gave an open lecture. The topic was «Longevity as a Model for Studying Aging Processes.»

At the beginning of the lecture, Zalina Bogotova explained the essence of the phenomenon being studied: «Aging is a gradual decline in the body’s fundamental functions: regenerative, reproductive, and others. As a result, functional stability is disrupted at all levels—from molecules to organs. This process is accompanied by the development of age-related diseases: cardiovascular, oncological, and neurodegenerative. Therefore, studying the mechanisms of aging is directly linked to the search for ways to prevent and correct these conditions.»
The lecturer focused on the WHO concept of «healthy aging,» which has been declared a global priority. According to Bogotova, centenarians—people over 90 years old—are the «gold standard» for studying successful aging. «It’s important to understand that genetics only determines up to 30% of a person’s lifespan. The rest is determined by lifestyle, environment, and social factors. But centenarians often exhibit specific genetic variants that protect them from age-related diseases or delay their onset by decades,» she noted.

Zalina Bogotova spoke about the work being conducted by KBSU scientists in collaboration with the M.K. Kerefova Center for Collective Use of Genetics and Selection. «About 42% of all centenarians in Russia live in the Caucasus. We have compiled a unique collection of DNA samples from people aged 90 to 104 years from different regions of Kabardino-Balkaria. We are studying genes associated with longevity and age-related diseases, such as ApoE, ACE, and PON1. «According to preliminary data, protective variants of the ApoE gene predominate in our centenarians, and an interesting trend is also observed in the ACE gene: an allele associated with a favorable course of cardiovascular disease is more common,» the researcher shared.

She also noted the characteristic features of Caucasian centenarians: the predominance of women among them, frequent family histories of longevity, and the fact that many reach old age without developing severe age-related diseases or experiencing them significantly later than usual. «Around 750 genes associated with longevity have already been identified worldwide. We are testing their impact specifically on our population, as the genetic characteristics of Caucasians may differ from those of other ethnic groups. This is important not only for science but also for the development of personalized approaches to maintaining health in old age,» Bogotova added.

The lecture concluded with a discussion with the audience. Students asked questions about genetic analysis methods, the impact of nutrition on aging, and the potential for practical application of their findings. The organizers noted that such open events help popularize the university’s scientific research and attract young people to careers in biomedicine.