78 | id == 78
78 | category_id == 9
78 | category_order == 6
78 | category_name == Longevity
78 | category_color == #C47AC0
78 | slug == AKT1-Longevity
78 | title == Does This Gene Play A Role in Lifespan? (AKT1)
78 | meta_description == The AKT1 gene is important for cell development, while also potentially playing a role in longevity. Find out more here!
78 | summary == <p style="text-align:justify"><strong>The AKT1 gene helps regulate the development and survival of the body&rsquo;s cells. There is also some evidence that this gene may affect lifespan. Learn what this gene does and how certain genetic variations may improve longevity.</strong></p>
78 | overall_score_text == Longevity Score (based on AKT1)
78 | image == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/background/AKT1--Longevity.jpg
78 | author_id == 8
78 | author_name == Mathew Eng
78 | author_title == PharmD
78 | author_order == 40
78 | author_photo == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/author-photo/Mathew.jpg
78 | author_intro == <p><strong>Mathew received his PharmD from the University of Hawaii and an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Washington.</strong></p>    <p>Mathew is a licensed pharmacist with clinical experience in oncology, infectious disease, and diabetes management. He has a passion for personalized patient care and believes that education is essential to living a healthy life. His goal is to motivate individuals to find ways to manage their chronic conditions.</p>
78 | reviewer == None
78 | medical_reviewer_id == 11
78 | medical_reviewer_name == Puya Yazdi
78 | medical_reviewer_title == MD
78 | publish_date == 2020
78 | publish_date == 1
78 | publish_date == 14
78 | avg_rating == 5.0
78 | tags_id == 223
78 | tags_name == AKT1 Gene
78 | tags_id == 164
78 | tags_name == Cancer
78 | tags_id == 101
78 | tags_name == Longevity
78 | tags_id == 224
78 | tags_name == Nervous System
78 | permissions_favorite == False
78 | permissions_rate == False
78 | content_article == <h2><strong>What Is The <em>AKT1</em> Gene?</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="../../gene/akt1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="../../gene/akt1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> gene</a> is responsible for coding a protein called AKT1 kinase. This protein is involved in signaling pathways throughout the body, including important roles in cell development and the nervous system [</span><a href="https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/AKT1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research has found that genetic variations in the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene may be associated with cancer. For this reason, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is considered an oncogene, a kind of gene that can potentially cause cancer [</span><a href="https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/AKT1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the other hand, there is some evidence that certain genotypes of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are significantly more common in those that live exceptionally long lives, suggesting that this gene plays a role in longevity as well [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19489743?dopt=Abstract"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><strong>How Does AKT1 Kinase Work?</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The protein AKT1 kinase (also known as PKB) is an enzyme that is involved in several cell signaling pathways, such as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25924008"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This signaling pathway is primarily responsible for regulating the growth and development of cells. More specifically, the protein AKT1 promotes the growth and survival of cells by blocking </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">apoptosis</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a process where the body eliminates old and damaged cells [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25924008"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1 activity is important for muscle growth and the development of neurons in the nervous system. However, because it prevents apoptosis (cell death), AKT1 activity is often linked to cancer development and tumor survival [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25924008"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29358593"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h2><strong>Longevity and <em>AKT1</em></strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Several studies have found that certain genetic variations in the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene may be associated with longevity.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">More specifically, a meta-analysis using data collected from 3 different population studies found that the &lsquo;CC&rsquo; and &lsquo;CG&rsquo; genotypes in the SNP </span><a href="../../snp/rs3803304/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>rs3803304</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are significantly more common in those that live very long lives [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652804/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of these studies was an osteoporosis study that followed over 9,700 Caucasian women from the U.S. for over 20 years. Using data from 896 of these women, researchers found that the &lsquo;CC&rsquo; and &lsquo;CG&rsquo; genotypes were much more common in women who were 92 years or older [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652804/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2404146/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Similar results were found using data from 1,076 Caucasian men and women who participated in a cardiovascular health study in the United States. In this group, the &lsquo;CC&rsquo; and &lsquo;CG&rsquo; genotypes were more frequently found in those living past 92 years [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652804/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1669507/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, genetic data was also pulled from longevity research that specifically examined Ashkenazi Jews. Among 746 participants, the &lsquo;CC&rsquo; and &lsquo;CG&rsquo; genotypes were more common in Ashkenazi Jews who were 95 years or older [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652804/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14559957/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16602826/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">Using data collected from 3 different population studies, a meta-analysis found that the &lsquo;CC&rsquo; and &lsquo;CG&rsquo; genotypes in rs3803304 are much more common in Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews who live exceptionally long lives.</span></p> <h3><strong>How Does The AKT1 Gene Affect Lifespan?</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although the previously mentioned meta-analysis found that </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> may be associated with longevity, the researchers of the study are unsure how exactly this gene affects lifespan [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652804/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Animal and human studies do suggest that </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is linked to cancer development and tumor survival [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25924008"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, the meta-analysis found that rs3803304 is associated with deaths due to cardiovascular disease and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">non-cancer</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> causes. This implies that the association between </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and longevity may not be linked to cancer [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652804/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research in animals also suggests that AKT1 may improve longevity through activation of </span><a href="https://content.selfdecode.com/the-truth-about-igf-1-top-10-benefits-and-potential-drawbacks/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">IGF-1</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="../../gene/foxo3a/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">FOXO3A</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, although human studies are lacking [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652804/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10102273/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10995739/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><strong>Conflicting Evidence</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not all studies have found an association between the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene and longevity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, one study looked at 4,836 people with Danish and German ancestry. Researchers found that rs3803304, along with 6 other </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> SNPs, had no association with lifespan [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3641374/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Similarly, another study of 1,202 people from a Han Chinese population also found no association with longevity in a number of SNPs in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, including rs3803304 [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26683100"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research shows that the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene is not associated with longevity in Danish, German, and Han Chinese populations.</span></span></p> <h2><strong>Your <em>AKT1</em> Results for Longevity</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can see your genotype for </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in the table below. However, keep in mind that these associations are based on studies from certain ethnic populations &mdash; so you should interpret your results with caution if you are not descended from one of these specific groups!</span></p> <p><strong>*2104207884628162*</strong></p> <p><strong>Primary SNP:&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>AKT1 <a href="../../snp/rs3803304/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rs3803304</a></strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;CC&rsquo; &amp; &lsquo;CG&rsquo; = More common in those who live exceptionally long lives</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;GG&rsquo; = Not associated with longer lifespan</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">About 62% of people have the &lsquo;CC&rsquo; genotype and about 33% have the &lsquo;CG&rsquo; genotype</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The association between rs3803304 and longevity has only been found in Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is not associated with longevity in Danish, German, and Han Chinese populations</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>*8309810540998388*</strong></p> <h2><strong>Recommendations for Longevity</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before implementing any of the following strategies, always speak with your doctor first about your options! There may be unexpected interactions with your current medications or health conditions. Also keep in mind that none of these recommendations should ever be used to replace any of the treatments or medications that your doctor gives you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&rsquo;s currently unclear exactly how genetic variations in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> help improve longevity. Although AKT1 activity has been linked to tumor growth, there is conflicting evidence on whether this contributes to its association with longer lifespan [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652804/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5520506/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18694380"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For this reason, instead of focusing on AKT1, we&rsquo;ll list some general recommendations for improving longevity that have been backed by strong clinical evidence.</span></p> <p><strong>*6879791720533259*</strong></p> <h3><strong>Lifestyle</strong></h3> <h4><strong>Exercise Regularly</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to research, </span><a href="https://content.selfdecode.com/top-14-proven-health-benefits-exercise-references-mechanisms/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">exercise</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is one of the best things to do to extend lifespan. Regular physical activity is associated with lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and death from any cause [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28943267"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30646252"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3501820/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many organizations, such as the U.S. Department of Health, recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Don&rsquo;t be afraid to exercise even more than this &mdash; there is strong evidence that the more exercise you get, the more health benefits there are [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3501820/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/be-active/physical-activity-guidelines-for-americans/index.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Any amount of physical activity can also help. Even if you cannot reach 150 minutes of exercise in a week, some amount of physical activity can still have health benefits. A sedentary lifestyle is strongly linked to a significantly increased risk of death [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6133005/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5998593/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is some evidence that exercise may increase AKT1 activity, although it&rsquo;s unclear how this may affect longevity [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12837666"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29098623"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h4><strong>Quitting Smoking</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Smoking and tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. If you are a smoker, quitting is one of the best ways to improve longevity [</span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to some estimates, nonsmokers have lifespans that are at least 10 years longer than smokers. On top of that, those that quit smoking before the age of 40 may decrease their risk of smoking-related death by about 90% [</span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/tobacco_related_mortality/index.htm"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research suggests that smoking may stimulate AKT1 activity, which could be one of the ways smoking contributes to cancer risk [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20028747"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30032844"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><strong>Diet</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&rsquo;s uncertain how diet affects AKT1 activity. Nonetheless, research has found that several types of diets may improve general longevity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, a heart-healthy diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. According to the American Heart Association, a heart-healthy diet includes [</span><a href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A variety of fruits and vegetables</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Poultry (without the skin)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fish and other seafood</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Healthy cooking oils</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is some evidence that other diets or eating strategies may be linked to improved longevity, including:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mediterranean diet [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5902736/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://content.selfdecode.com/intermittent-fasting/"><span>Intermittent fasting</span></a><span> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27810402"><span>R</span></a><span>, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29063418"><span>R</span></a><span>, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25815989"><span>R</span></a><span>]</span></li> </ul>
78 | content_snp_table_2104207884628162_key == 2104207884628162
78 | content_snp_table_2104207884628162_blur == True
78 | content_snp_table_2104207884628162_hidden == False
78 | content_learn_more_8309810540998388_key == 8309810540998388
78 | content_learn_more_8309810540998388_blur == True
78 | content_learn_more_8309810540998388_hidden == False
78 | content_learn_more_8309810540998388_text == Based on the variants we looked at, your AKT1 genotype is somewhat associated with longevity in certain ethnic groups. However, this doesn't necessarily reflect your overall longevity — just one gene related to it. Diet and exercise can help. Keep scrolling to find out more.
78 | content_recommendation_6879791720533259_key == 6879791720533259
78 | content_recommendation_6879791720533259_blur == True
78 | content_recommendation_6879791720533259_hidden == False
rsIDs = rs3803304
rsStatus = rs3803304,AKT1,chr14,104772809,C,A,G,,39,0,Normal
