Does This Gene Play A Role in Lifespan? (AKT1)

The AKT1 gene 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 [R].

Research has found that genetic variations in the AKT1 gene may be associated with cancer. For this reason, AKT1 is considered an oncogene, a kind of gene that can potentially cause cancer [R].

On the other hand, there is some evidence that certain genotypes of AKT1 are significantly more common in those that live exceptionally long lives, suggesting that this gene plays a role in longevity as well [R].

How Does AKT1 Kinase Work?

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 [R].

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 apoptosis, a process where the body eliminates old and damaged cells [R].

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 [R, R].

Several studies have found that certain genetic variations in the AKT1 gene may be associated with longevity. 

More specifically, a meta-analysis using data collected from 3 different population studies found that the ‘CC’ and ‘CG’ genotypes in the SNP rs3803304 are significantly more common in those that live very long lives [R].

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 ‘CC’ and ‘CG’ genotypes were much more common in women who were 92 years or older [R, R].

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 ‘CC’ and ‘CG’ genotypes were more frequently found in those living past 92 years [R, R].

Finally, genetic data was also pulled from longevity research that specifically examined Ashkenazi Jews. Among 746 participants, the ‘CC’ and ‘CG’ genotypes were more common in Ashkenazi Jews who were 95 years or older [R, R, R].

Using data collected from 3 different population studies, a meta-analysis found that the ‘CC’ and ‘CG’ genotypes in rs3803304 are much more common in Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews who live exceptionally long lives.

How Does The AKT1 Gene Affect Lifespan?

Although the previously mentioned meta-analysis found that AKT1 may be associated with longevity, the researchers of the study are unsure how exactly this gene affects lifespan [R].

Animal and human studies do suggest that AKT1 is linked to cancer development and tumor survival [R].

However, the meta-analysis found that rs3803304 is associated with deaths due to cardiovascular disease and non-cancer causes. This implies that the association between AKT1 and longevity may not be linked to cancer [R].

Research in animals also suggests that AKT1 may improve longevity through activation of IGF-1 and FOXO3A, although human studies are lacking [R, R, R].

Conflicting Evidence

Not all studies have found an association between the AKT1 gene and longevity.

For example, one study looked at 4,836 people with Danish and German ancestry. Researchers found that rs3803304, along with 6 other AKT1 SNPs, had no association with lifespan [R].

Similarly, another study of 1,202 people from a Han Chinese population also found no association with longevity in a number of SNPs in AKT1, including rs3803304 [R].

Research shows that the AKT1 gene is not associated with longevity in Danish, German, and Han Chinese populations.

You can see your genotype for AKT1 in the table below. However, keep in mind that these associations are based on studies from certain ethnic populations — so you should interpret your results with caution if you are not descended from one of these specific groups!

Primary SNP: 

AKT1 rs3803304

• ‘CC’ & ‘CG’ = More common in those who live exceptionally long lives
• ‘GG’ = Not associated with longer lifespan
• About 62% of people have the ‘CC’ genotype and about 33% have the ‘CG’ genotype
• The association between rs3803304 and longevity has only been found in Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews
• AKT1 is not associated with longevity in Danish, German, and Han Chinese populations