Overview
GenAge is the benchmark database of genes related to ageing and longevity, a core component of the Human Ageing Genomic Resources (HAGR) maintained by the Genomics of Ageing and Rejuvenation Lab at the University of Birmingham. The database is divided into two main sections: human ageing-related genes and genes associated with longevity/ageing in model organisms (yeast, worms, flies, mice, and others).
GenAge is manually curated by experts in the field of biogerontology to ensure high-quality, reliable content. The human genes section includes both genes directly related to ageing in humans and the best candidate genes obtained from model organism research, with considerably better annotation and more comprehensive information.
Data Content
The human genes dataset includes:
- Direct human ageing genes: Few genes directly proven to affect human ageing
- Candidate genes: Best candidate genes from model organism research
- Extensive annotations: Detailed descriptions, evidence, and functional information
- Literature support: Links to supporting publications and evidence
- Cross-references: Connections to other databases and resources
Model Organism Genes
The model organisms dataset covers:
- Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
- Nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans)
- Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster)
- Mice (Mus musculus)
- Other model systems: Various organisms used in ageing research
Gene Classifications
Genes are categorized by:
- Longevity effects: Impact on lifespan when manipulated
- Ageing phenotypes: Effects on age-related changes
- Evolutionary conservation: Conservation across species
- Functional groups: Biological pathways and processes
- Evidence quality: Strength of experimental support
Key Features
- Expert curation: Manual curation by biogerontology experts
- Comprehensive coverage: Genes from humans and multiple model organisms
- Detailed annotations: Rich functional and experimental information
- Regular updates: Ongoing maintenance and new gene additions
- High quality: Rigorous standards for inclusion and annotation
- Web interfaces: Searchable, browsable online interfaces
- Downloadable data: Complete datasets in tab-delimited format
- Cross-referenced: Linked to other aging and genomic databases
Access Methods
- Interactive Web Search: Browse and search genes through web interfaces
- Direct Downloads: Download complete datasets as zipped TSV files
- API Access: (Check website for programmatic access options)
- Integration: Part of broader HAGR ecosystem with complementary databases
GenAge is part of a comprehensive suite of aging research databases:
- AnAge: Animal longevity and life history database
- GenDR: Dietary restriction genes database
- LongevityMap: Human genetic variants associated with longevity
- CellAge: Cellular senescence genes database
- DrugAge: Compounds that modulate longevity
- Digital Ageing Atlas: Ageing changes across biological levels
Use Cases
- Ageing Research: Identify and study genes involved in ageing processes
- Longevity Studies: Investigate genetic factors influencing lifespan
- Comparative Biology: Compare ageing mechanisms across species
- Systems Biology: Analyze networks and pathways in ageing
- Translational Research: Identify targets for anti-ageing interventions
- Evolutionary Studies: Understand evolution of ageing and longevity
- Education: Teaching resource for biogerontology
- Drug Discovery: Identify potential therapeutic targets
Network Analyses
GenAge has been used for pioneering systems biology analyses:
- Protein network of human ageing: First comprehensive network analysis (2004)
- System-level interpretation: Holistic view of ageing processes
- Machine learning applications: Predictive modeling of ageing genes
- Evolutionary analyses: Cross-species comparisons
- Disease connections: Links between ageing and age-related diseases
Recognition
GenAge has been highlighted in major scientific publications:
- Nature Reviews Genetics (5:1362) - Web Watch feature
- Science (307:187) - NetWatch feature
- BioTechniques (39:21) - WebWatch feature
- Cited in hundreds of scientific publications
- Core resource for biogerontology community
Management
Maintained by the Genomics of Ageing and Rejuvenation Lab, led by Dr. João Pedro de Magalhães at the University of Birmingham. The lab is supported by the Wellcome Trust and BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council).
Data Quality
- Manual curation: Expert review of all entries
- Evidence-based: All genes supported by experimental evidence
- Regular updates: Ongoing incorporation of new findings
- Quality control: Rigorous standards for inclusion
- Peer-reviewed: Associated publications in top journals
License and Usage
GenAge may be freely used for all purposes under HAGR’s terms and conditions. Users are asked to cite the appropriate publications when using the database in research.
- HAGR-news mailing list: Notifications of new releases and updates
- Feedback mechanism: User submissions for new genes or corrections
- Publications database: Tracking of GenAge citations and applications
- Educational resources: Documentation and help materials
- AnAge: Animal species longevity database (if available in registry)
- CellAge: Cellular senescence database (if available)
- DrugAge: Longevity-modulating compounds (if available)
Last Update
Database build: 2024 (check website for specific build number and date)
Latest HAGR description: de Magalhães et al. (2024) Nucleic Acids Research