Multidisciplinary Approaches in Genetic Studies of Human Aging and Longevity

The amount of research on human aging and longevity has been growing rapidly in recent years. Multidisciplinary approaches, which integrate classic population genetics methods with the principles of epidemiological and demographic investigation, are emerging as powerful tools for disentangling the complex gene network which modulates human lifespan. We try to summarize the different approaches and discuss the various aspects concerning their applications in studies of human aging and longevity. We also discuss the significance of the newly emerging DNA chip technology and its implications by highlighting new research topics. In fact, with the entering of the post-genomic era, hints given by observational studies, and thus founded on statistical evidence, can be exploited to cast light upon biological pathways crucial in aging and longevity.