The Genetics Of Human Longevity
A good overview article from PubMed looks at the the results of research into longevity genes over the past few years. (You can read the full version for free over at Science Direct). "This article reviews several genetic pathways that may extend lifespan through effects on aging, rather than through effects on diseases such as atherosclerosis or cancer. These include some of the genes involved in the regulation of DNA repair and nuclear structure, which cause the progeroid syndromes when mutated, as well as those that may affect telomere length, since shorter telomeres have been associated with shorter survival. Other potential longevity genes, such as sirtuins, are involved in regulating the response to cellular stress, including caloric restriction."