rs28391193: Understanding This Genetic Variant and Longevity
The rs28391193 variant is an uncommon genetic marker located on chromosome 4 that has been identified in research studies as being associated with extreme human longevity. While it is a subject of interest in aging research, it is important to note that longevity is a complex trait influenced by many genetic and environmental factors.
What each genotype means
Typical longevity association
This genotype is the common form of this variant. Research indicates that the alternative G allele is the one associated with extreme longevity, meaning this genotype does not carry that specific protective association.
This is the most common genotype for this variant in most global populations.
Potential longevity association
Carrying one copy of the G allele has been associated with extreme human longevity in some studies. This variant is thought to influence longevity by modulating the expression of the ELOVL6 gene.
This heterozygous genotype is uncommon in the general population.
Stronger longevity association
Carrying two copies of the G allele is associated with extreme human longevity. This association is linked to lower expression of the ELOVL6 gene, which has been observed in research to correlate with longevity-related traits.
This homozygous genotype is rare in the general population.
What is rs28391193?
The rs28391193 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) situated in an intergenic region on chromosome 4. In genetics, an intergenic region refers to the stretches of DNA located between genes. While these areas do not code for proteins directly, they often contain regulatory elements that can influence how nearby genes are expressed. Because rs28391193 is not located within a specific gene, researchers look at its proximity to other genomic features to understand its potential biological impact. It is classified as an uncommon variant, meaning it does not appear with high frequency across the general population. Scientists study such variants to determine if they contribute to the biological mechanisms that allow some individuals to reach extreme ages, often referred to as exceptional longevity.
Research and Longevity Associations
Research into rs28391193 has primarily emerged from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) focused on identifying genetic factors that contribute to living to an advanced age. Studies have highlighted this variant as a promising candidate in the search for longevity-associated markers. Specifically, some research has suggested that the longevity-associated allele of rs28391193 may be linked to the lower expression of the ELOVL6 gene. ELOVL6 is involved in the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids, and reduced expression of this gene has been linked to metabolic changes in animal models that may influence lifespan. However, the evidence strength for this association is considered moderate. Longevity is a polygenic trait, meaning it is influenced by the cumulative effect of many different genetic variants, as well as lifestyle and environmental factors, making it difficult to isolate the effect of any single SNP.
Interpreting Genetic Associations
When interpreting findings related to rs28391193, it is crucial to understand the difference between correlation and causation. A statistical association found in a GWAS indicates that a variant appears more frequently in a specific group—such as centenarians—compared to a control group, but it does not prove that the variant itself causes the trait. Furthermore, genetic associations can be ancestry-specific, meaning a variant that shows an association in one population may not show the same effect in another. Because the science of human longevity is still evolving, these findings should be viewed as part of a larger, complex puzzle. Readers should be cautious about over-interpreting individual genetic results, as they cannot predict an individual's lifespan or health outcomes. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or genetic counselor when discussing genetic information.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Information regarding rs28391193 is intended for educational purposes and should not be used to make medical decisions or health predictions. You cannot use this information to determine your own longevity or to diagnose any health condition. Genetic testing for such variants is generally not clinically actionable, meaning there are no specific medical interventions or lifestyle changes recommended based on this SNP alone. If you are interested in your genetic profile, it is best to discuss the limitations and implications of such data with a healthcare provider. Focus on well-established health behaviors, such as maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and routine medical screenings, which are known to have a significant impact on healthy aging. Genetic data is a tool for scientific discovery, not a crystal ball for personal health outcomes.
How common is this variant?
The rs28391193 variant is considered uncommon in the general population. Its frequency can vary significantly across different ancestral groups, which is a common characteristic of many longevity-associated genetic markers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use rs28391193 to predict how long I will live?
No, you cannot use this variant to predict your lifespan. Longevity is a complex trait influenced by hundreds of genetic variants, as well as significant environmental and lifestyle factors that are not captured by a single SNP.
Is rs28391193 a 'longevity gene'?
rs28391193 is not a gene; it is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in an intergenic region. While it is associated with longevity research, it does not function as a gene that codes for a protein.
Where can I find more information on longevity genetics?
You can explore resources like the GWAS Catalog or PubMed for peer-reviewed research on the genetics of aging. These databases provide access to the latest scientific studies and meta-analyses on the subject.
Should I get tested for this variant?
There is no clinical utility in testing for this variant. It is not used in medical practice to assess health risks or longevity, and the results would not change any medical management or lifestyle recommendations.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/3/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
Curious what your genotype is for rs28391193?
Upload a raw DNA file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA and see this variant — plus thousands more — interpreted in your full report.
Get my report — $29Related variants
This variant is a significant risk factor for the development of Gaucher disease and Parkinson's disease.
This variant is associated with cystic fibrosis, affecting chloride channel function in epithelial cells.
This variant is a known pathogenic mutation contributing to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome.
This pathogenic variant is strongly associated with an increased lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
A polymorphism identified as a predictive biomarker for clopidogrel response in a multi-gene NGS panel study.
A variant significantly associated with clopidogrel responsiveness in diverse populations, highlighting the importance of transethnic genetic studies.