Contemporary human genetic strategies in aging research

Human aging is a complex, multifactorial process influenced by a number of genetic and non-genetic factors. This article first reviews genetic strategies for human aging research and considers the advantages and disadvantages of each. We then discuss the issue of phenotypic definition for genetic studies of aging, including longevity/life span, as well as disease-free survival and other endophenotypes. Finally, we argue that extensions of this area of research, including incorporation of gene × environment interactions, multivariate phenotypes, integration of functional genomic annotations, and exploitation of orthology – many of which are already initiated and ongoing – are critical to advancing this field.

Research highlights
► Human aging is a complex, multifactorial process influenced by a number of genetic and non-genetic factors.
► There are many strategies for elucidating the genetic underpinnings of aging and aging-related phenotypes.
► Extensions of this area of research, including incorporation of gene x environment interactions, multivariate phenotypes, integration of functional genomic annotations, and exploitation of orthology are critical to advancing this field.