Method of Using FOXO3A Polymorphisms and Haplotypes to Predict and Promote Healthy Aging and Longevity

Abstract

The invention provides methods and compositions relating to identification and use of genetic information from the FOXO3A gene that can be used for determining and increasing an individual's likelihood of longevity and of retaining physical and cognitive function during aging, and for determining and decreasing an individual's likelihood of developing a cardiovascular-, metabolic- or age-related disease, including coronary artery (heart) disease, stroke, cancer, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and dementia.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A kit comprising a first nucleic acid of sufficient length to hybridizes to a first target nucleic acid sequence position selected from the group consisting of a “G” allele of locus/polymorphism rs2802292 at position 109015211 in the FOXO3A gene on chromosome 6, a “G” allele of locus/polymorphism rs2802292 at position 109015211 in the FOXO3A gene on chromosome 6 and a “C” allele of locus/polymorphism rs2764264 at position 109041154 in the FOXO3A gene on chromosome 6, wherein said first nucleic acid hybridizes to said first target nucleic acid sequence at the position, or the complement of said first target nucleic acid sequence, in one or more containers and instructions for use. 
     
     
         14 . A method for testing for the presence of at least one allele of a FOXO3A haplotype comprising the steps of: a) collecting a sample of cells from a subject; b) isolating a nucleic acid sample from the cells of the sample; c) contacting the nucleic acid sample with at least one primer which specifically hybridizes 5′ and 3′ to at least one allele of a FOXO3A haplotype under conditions such that hybridization and amplification of the allele occurs; and d) detecting the amplification product by allele detection means. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein at least one primer is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 5-8. 
     
     
         16 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . An isolated DNA sequence comprising the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 5. 
     
     
         24 . An isolated DNA sequence comprising the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 6. 
     
     
         25 . An isolated DNA sequence comprising the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 7. 
     
     
         26 . An isolated DNA sequence comprising the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 8. 
     
     
         27 . An isolated DNA sequence comprising the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 9. 
     
     
         28 . At least one primer capable of amplifying a sequence in a PCR system, wherein the sequence is selected from at least one of the following:
 a sequence having a “G” allele of the locus/polymorphism at position 467 of the nucleic acid sequence of the FOXO3A gene shown in SEQ ID NO:4;   a sequence having a “C” allele of the locus/polymorphism at position 501 of the nucleic acid sequence of the FOXO3A gene shown in SEQ ID NO:2; and   a sequence having a “C” allele of the locus/polymorphism at position 301 of the ucleic acid sequence of the FOXO3A gene shown in SEQ ID NO:3.