Inheriting a mutant gene variant prevents cells from ageing, helping individuals to live for more than 100 years, a new study finds.

Previous studies had reported that centenarian Ashkenazi Jews have a lower average body mass index (BMI) but higher levels of good (HDL) cholesterol.

They, therefore, are at a lower risk of developing major age-related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

According to the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, these individuals have higher levels of telomerase.

The structure of telomerase, the short sections located at the end of the chromosomes, and its critical role in protecting chromosomes from degrading was recognized by three scientists who received the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine.

Their report suggested that each time a cell divides its telomeres shorten, placing the cell at a greater risk of dying. Telomerase, on the other hand, can repair the telomeres, preventing them from shrinking.

Scientists concluded that the centenarians and their offspring had higher levels of telomerase and significantly longer telomeres, adding that the trait is strongly heritable.

They are optimistic that their findings will lead to the development of new drugs to stimulate the enzyme, increasing lifespan.

PKH/HGH