Session 1: Genetic Research for Wellness: Exploring the Genetic Horizons of Longevity, Healthiness and Happiness
As the global population ages, understanding the cutting-edge genetic technologies that influence longevity and ageing is becoming increasingly critical. This session will focus on the latest advancements in genetics, such as CRISPR gene editing, epigenetic modifications, and advancements in genomic sequencing. We will explore how these innovations are unlocking new potential in extending lifespan, promoting healthiness, and enhancing happiness. Additionally, we will discuss how these technologies are being used to understand and potentially manipulate telomere biology, DNA damage and repair mechanisms, and the role of stem cells in ageing. The session will highlight not only the scientific breakthroughs but also the ethical, social, and political implications of these emerging genetic technologies.Read More!
Moderator:
Ms. Thitikan Pohpoach,
Pharmacist at the Division of Innovative Health Product and Services at the Thai FDA
Speakers:
Main idea:
Genomic research is severely biased toward European populations, creating dangerous healthcare inequities; to improve global health outcomes and longevity, we must close the diversity gap in genomic data.
Important points:
Important points:
- Underrepresentation of non-European populations:
○ 81% of genetic data as of 2016 came from people of European ancestry; the gap has only widened by 2022.
○ Populations from Africa, Asia, and Latin America remain significantly underrepresented, which affects the accuracy of genetic diagnostics and treatments. - Consequences in pharmacogenomics:
○ Example: a child in Ethiopia metabolized codeine too quickly due to a genetic variant, leading to fatal toxicity.
○ The gene CYP2D6 affects metabolism of 25% of all prescribed drugs, yet data on non-European variants is scarce. - Gender bias in clinical trials:
○ Women, especially elderly women, suffer more adverse drug reactions but are underrepresented in studies.
○ Most clinical trials have been based on male and European subjects, creating diagnostic and treatment biases.
- Impact on diagnosis and treatment:
○ Lack of diversity skews risk assessment tools and treatment guidelines, putting non-European populations at greater risk of misdiagnosis or ineffective therapies. - Call to action for equitable science:
○ The UN asserts equal access to scientific advancement. Bridging the diversity gap is necessary to achieve that right in genomics.
1. Dr. Manuel Corpas, FHEA,
Founder and Chief Scientist of Cambridge Precision Medicine at University of Cambridge Biomedical Innovation Hub, UK
Main idea:
Complex traits like longevity, wellness, and most chronic diseases are influenced by both genetics and environment; understanding and predicting them requires polygenic and epigenetic approaches, not single-gene analysis.
Important points:
Important points:
- Most traits are complex, not Mendelian:
○ Traits like diabetes, heart disease, and longevity are influenced by many genes and environmental factors.
○ They don’t follow simple inheritance patterns and can't be diagnosed using single-gene tests. - Polygenic risk scores (PRS) for prediction:
○ PRS combine the effects of thousands of genetic variants to estimate an individual’s disease risk.
○ These scores help tailor environmental interventions rather than offer direct cures. - Epigenetics captures environmental impact:
○ DNA methylation and other epigenetic markers act as “long-term memory” of environmental exposures like diet, smoking, or stress.
○ They complement genetic data in predicting health outcomes. - Limitations of current PRS:
○ Most PRS are derived from European datasets, reducing their predictive power in other ethnic groups.
○ African and Asian populations often have lower accuracy from these scores due to lack of representative data. - Gene editing is not suitable for complex traits (yet):
○ Unlike single-gene disorders, complex diseases involve many small-effect genes.
○ Editing one or two genes won’t substantially alter risk and raises ethical and identity concerns. - Lifestyle interventions remain crucial:
○ Even with advanced genetic insights, environmental changes (e.g. diet, exercise) have significant impact.
○ A study shows vegetable-rich diets can reverse some epigenetic aging markers at the cellular level.
2. Dr.Jakris Eu-ahsunthornwattana,
Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
Main idea:
Genetic insights must be integrated with lifestyle medicine for practical health improvement; epigenetics shows that diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management can modify gene expression and promote longevity.
Important points:
Important points:
- Epigenetics bridges genes and lifestyle:
○ Environmenta–l factors like food, stress, and exercise influence gene expression via epigenetic mechanisms.
○ This means lifestyle changes can delay aging or reduce disease risk. - Six lifestyle pillars support healthy gene expression:
○ These include diet (especially plant-based), physical activity, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco. - "Epigenetic diets" can reduce disease risk:
○ Diets rich in cruciferous vegetables, berries, green tea, and omega-3s influence methylation patterns associated with aging and inflammation.
○ A specific study cited the "Atlantic diet" as protective against cardiovascular disease. - Intermittent fasting and exercise modulate aging pathways:
○ These behaviors influence metabolic health and hormone regulation, positively affecting epigenetic markers. - Practical coaching approach:
○ Personalized health plans should align with patient interests and habits.
○ Behavioral change is facilitated by motivation, goal-setting, and discipline—habit formation takes about 21 days. - Hormonal and mental health are intertwined:
○ Chronic stress elevates cortisol and may drive poor health behaviors (e.g., sugar cravings).
○ Clinical management includes supplements, hormone support, and personalized lifestyle prescriptions.
3. Dr. Patcharanun Sripatthanawatt, MD,
Preventive Medicine and Anti-aging Specialist, Samitivej Hospital
Key Takeaways from Q&A Session:
- Gene therapy today is limited but evolving:
- Some successful applications exist for single-gene diseases (e.g., certain eye or immune disorders), but complex conditions like Alzheimer’s remain a challenge.
- Editing hundreds of genes poses technical, cost, and ethical barriers.
- Relative risk vs. absolute risk matters:
- Even if a gene doubles a disease’s risk, the absolute increase may still be very small (e.g., from 1% to 2%).
- Mental health is central to successful behavior change:
- Discipline, self-awareness, and alignment between values and actions are key.
- Coaches (like lifestyle doctors) help patients set realistic goals that match their personality and preferences.
- Ethical concerns over enhancement and identity:
- Enhancing human traits genetically raises complex identity and justice issues.
- Prioritization should remain on solving medical problems before pursuing “superhuman” modifications.