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IGF1R

Does This Growth-Hormone Gene Affect Lifespan? (IGF-1R)

Written by Mathew Eng, PharmD on January 10th, 2020

The IGF-1R gene plays an important role in growth and development. Research suggests this gene may also be linked to lifespan. Find out how this gene works and how it may impact longevity!

What Is The IGF-1R Gene?

The IGF-1R gene codes for a protein called the IGF-1 receptor, which plays an important role in the body’s growth and development. Let’s breakdown these terms a little more [R].

The IGF-1R gene codes for a protein called IGF-1 receptor
The IGF-1 receptor protein acts as a receptor for a hormone called IGF-1
The IGF-1 hormone, short for insulin-like growth factor 1, plays an important role in childhood development and muscle growth in adults

There is some evidence that specific genetic variations in IGF-1R are associated with longevity. Based on several studies, these gene variations are much more common in those that live exceptionally long lives, which may possibly be due to lower activity by the IGF-1 receptor [R].

Longevity And The IGF-1R Gene

How Does IGF-1 Work?

IGF-1 receptors are found on many of the cells that make up the body’s various tissues. When the IGF-1 hormone binds to the IGF-1 receptor, it triggers the AKT signaling pathway, which stimulates cell growth.

This interaction between the IGF-1 receptor and hormone is crucial for growth, especially in childhood development. Conditions that lower IGF-1 levels or impair the IGF-1 receptor can lead to growth defects, such as dwarfism. However, research also suggests that reduced IGF-1 levels may have anti-cancer effects as well [R, R].

On the other hand, elevated activity of IGF-1 hormones or receptors is associated with conditions of excess growth, such as acromegaly or cancer [R, R].

It’s not totally clear how the activity of IGF-1 or IGF-1R affects longevity. Different studies have found that both low and high levels of IGF-1 may be linked to increased risk of death [R, R].

Longevity Studies

There is some evidence that certain genetic variations in the IGF-1R gene are associated with longer lifespans.

For example, one study examined the rs2229765 SNP of 668 elderly people from Northeastern Italy. Researchers found that the ‘A’ allele in this SNP is much more common in those that live past 85 years of age. The ‘A’ allele in rs2229765 was also associated with lower blood levels of IGF-1 [R].

However, these associations were only found in males. The SNP rs2229765 had no correlation to longevity or IGF-1 levels in women [R].

Another study looked at the rs34516635 SNP in 384 Ashkenazi Jews, a group that originates from Eastern Europe. According to this study, the ‘A’ allele in this SNP is more common in those that are 100 years or older [R].

However, this second study only found an association with longevity in females. Researchers also found that women with the ‘A’ allele had higher blood levels of IGF-1. These results contradict what was found in the first study and it’s not exactly clear why [R].

The ‘A’ allele in rs2229765 is associated with longer lifespans, but only in males from certain populations in Italy. On the other hand, the ‘A’ allele in rs34516635 is linked to longevity only in females from certain Jewish groups.

Your IGF-1R Results for Longevity

You can see your genotypes for these two SNPs 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!

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs2229765
rs34516635

Primary SNPs:

IGF-1R rs2229765

‘G’ = No association with longevity
‘A’ = More common in those with longer lifespans in certain populations
About 12% of people have the ‘AA’ genotype
The association between the ‘A’ allele and longevity has only been found in males from certain areas in Italy

IGF-1R rs34516635

‘G’ = No association with longevity
‘A’ = More common in those with longer lifespans in certain populations
The ‘A’ allele is extremely rare, less than 1% of people carry it and there are no reported individuals who have the ‘AA’ genotype
The association between the ‘A’ allele and longevity has only been found in females from certain Jewish groups

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Exercise Regularly

There is conflicting evidence on whether exercise affects IGF-1 levels in the blood. Nonetheless, research consistently shows that physical activity is one of the best things to do to extend lifespan [R, R, R].

Regular exercise is associated with lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and death from any cause [R, R, R].

Many organizations, including the U.S. Department of Health, recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Don’t be afraid to exercise even more than this — there is strong evidence that the more exercise you get, the more health benefits there are [R, R].

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 [R, R].

Quitting Smoking

Smoking and tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Regardless of IGF-1 status, quitting smoking is one of the best ways to improve longevity [R].

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% [R].

Diet

There is some evidence that diet may affect IGF-1 levels. Research suggests that protein intake may be correlated to IGF-1 levels, although it’s not clear how this can affect lifespan [R, R].

Instead, it may be more beneficial to focus on diets associated with longevity that have been backed by strong clinical research.

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 [R]:

A variety of fruits and vegetables
Poultry (without the skin)
Fish and other seafood
Healthy cooking oils

There is some evidence that other diets or eating strategies may be linked to improved longevity, including:

Mediterranean diet [R]
Intermittent fasting [R, R, R]

Mathew Eng

PharmD

Mathew received his PharmD from the University of Hawaii and an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Washington.

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.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

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What Is The IGF-1R Gene? Longevity And The IGF-1R Gene Your IGF-1R Results for Longevity

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Does This Growth-Hormone Gene Affect Lifespan? (IGF-1R)

What Is The IGF-1R Gene?

Longevity And The IGF-1R Gene

How Does IGF-1 Work?

Longevity Studies

Your IGF-1R Results for Longevity

SNP Table

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Exercise Regularly

Quitting Smoking

Diet

Disclaimer

More inflammation & autoimmunity blogs

Content

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Essential Bundle

Essential

Bundle

Ultimate Bundle

Limited Time Offer 25% Off

Individual DNA Reports

Methylation Pathway - MTHFR Test

Histamine Intolerance DNA Pathway Report

Gut Health, Digestion & IBS DNA Report

Autoimmune Disease Risk & Prevention DNA Report

See all reports

Policies

About

Navigation

Health reports