Longevity as a complex genetic trait

Aging is influenced by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors including genetic background, epigenetics, diet, and environment. Both our ability to develop a complete model of the aging process and accurately predict outcomes designed to extend lifespan or treat age-associated pathology require the identification of the range of factors capable of influence aging and an understanding of how these factors interact. In this chapter we discuss longevity and other phenotypes related to aging as complex genetic traits. We first review past and ongoing efforts to comprehensively catalog genetic and nongenetic factors that impact lifespan in invertebrate and mammalian model systems and conclude by discussing emerging tools that will help the aging-research community encompass the complexities of the aging process.