Science AMA Series: I’m Ali Torkamani of the Scripps Translational
Science Institute and co-leader of the first large scale genomic study
of healthy aging. AMA!
Abstract
Hi Reddit! I’m Ali Torkamani, Director of Drug Discovery at the Scripps
Translational Science Institute in La Jolla, CA. Edit: And Director of
Genome Informatics My colleagues and I believe studying the genetics of
healthy aging is potentially a powerful means for the identification of
genetic mechanisms for resistance to age-associated disease. We recently
completed a comprehensive whole genome analysis of healthy aging
individuals and found that these individuals have lower overall genetic
risk for Alzheimer’s and coronary artery disease, and that genetic
factors for cognitive performance appear to be important for overall
resistance to age-associated disease. Surprisingly, we found no decrease
in the genetic risk for other common killers like cancer and diabetes,
suggesting there are other hidden protective factors to be discovered.
Here’s a summary! And a video! I’ll be back at 1 pm EST (10 am PST, 6 pm
UTC) to answer your questions, ask me anything about genetics, genomics,
healthy aging, and individualized medicine!