Centenarians as models of healthy aging: Example of REST

Centenarians are a group of individuals exhibiting extreme longevity, who are characterized by a remarkable compression of morbidity. Therefore, centenarians have been postulated as a model of healthy aging. Different approaches have been used to decipher the biology and genetics of centenarians in order to identify key antiaging pathways. The majority of studies have taken advantage of blood samples to perform their analysis. Besides, a recent study in human brain samples deciphered the transcription factor REST (Repressor Element-1 Silencing Transcription Factor) as an important player of extreme longevity and cognitive activity. This study goes from human to animal models and revealed that REST acts as an epigenetic regulator of neuronal homeostasis, to control aging and longevity. The aim of this view point is to summarize recent literature describing genetic and epigenetic factors, as well as molecular pathways associated with centenarians and the biology of aging. We will pay particular attention to the impact of REST in centenarians and longevity.

Automated summary

Centenarians are considered models of healthy aging due to their remarkable long life and compression of morbidity. Recent studies have identified the transcription factor REST as a key player in extreme longevity and cognitive activity, acting as an epigenetic regulator of neuronal homeostasis in both human and animal models. This research aims to summarize the genetic and epigenetic factors, as well as molecular pathways associated with centenarians and aging biology, with a focus on the impact of REST in longevity.