Scientists have discovered a gene that may help people reach their 100th birthday.

Centenarians often share similar features of a certain gene that helps to prevent the spread of cancer and improves bone formation, the research reveals.

Researchers believe the gene is responsible for up to 30 per cent of centenarians' lifespans, while the rest is down to a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Yet, other experts argue further research is required before we can attribute prolonged ageing to a single gene and use such findings to potentially improve human life expectancy.

Some 14,570 people in the UK are aged 100 or over, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics last September.

Scientists have discovered a gene that could help people reach 100-years-old (stock)

HUMANS MAY LIVE TO 120 IN JUST 60 YEARS TIME Humans may live to 120 in just 60 years time, according to a leading expert. Research reveals it is possible to slow down our biological, or 'inner', ageing process, which could help us to live decades beyond the UK's current life expectancy of 81. Drugs that interact with our DNA maintain the function of our bodies for longer, the research suggests. Experts stress, however, this must be combined with a healthy lifestyle for full effect. Yet, how a 120-year-old life expectancy may impact our quality of life is unclear. The side effects of such life-prolonging treatments are also unknown. Several European countries are in talks to start drug trials within the next three years. Professor Vladimir Khavinson, head of the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, said: 'It is important to understand that nobody would want to live a long and unhealthy life. 'The main goal for us now must be to allow people to stay healthy for as long as possible into their old age.' Advertisement

How the study was carried out

Japanese researchers, including those from the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology and Keio University, collected blood samples from 530 individuals aged 95 or over and 4,312 participants aged under 80.

Most of the people in the older age group were over 100.

The researchers carried out a DNA analysis of the blood samples.

Key findings

Results revealed older people share specific characteristics on a certain gene, known as CLEC3B.

CLEC3B is associated with the production of a particular protein, called tetranectin, which is involved in preventing the spread of cancerous tumours, as well as aiding bone formation.

Study author Masashi Tanaka from the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, said: 'The gene we identified recently is not the sole actor determining longevity.

'But we believe that it plays a role in anti-aging in one way or another,' The Asahi Shimbun reported.

Sumio Sugano, professor of medical genome sciences at the University of Tokyo, who was not involved in the research, said: 'Detailed study of the function of the gene recently discovered may provide clues as to what factors affect living a healthy and long life.'

Yet, other experts warn further research is required before we can attribute prolonged ageing to a single gene and use such findings to improve human life expectancy.

This comes after researchers from Brigham Young University found jogging for just 30 minutes a day for five days a week could add nine years to your life expectancy.

Exercising regularly has previously been shown to reduce the speed of ageing, yet the newer research suggests the workout has to be sufficiently intense to have an impact.