What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Longevity and Cellular Health: 8/10 evidence, 68 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Longer Lifespan with Reduced Chemotherapy Sensitivity
Carrying two copies of the proline-encoding allele is linked to an average of three years of additional lifespan. It also correlates with a less favorable response to several standard chemotherapy treatments.
What this genotype means: Average of 3 years longer lifespan; Reduced tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy; Slightly higher baseline cholesterol and HbA1c.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Lifespan and Lower Baseline Cholesterol
Carrying two copies of the arginine-encoding allele is associated with a typical lifespan and lower baseline cholesterol. It also correlates with a higher sensitivity to certain chemotherapy treatments.
What this genotype means: Typical baseline lifespan; Favorable baseline cholesterol and blood sugar levels; Higher tumor sensitivity to some chemotherapies.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/C
Slightly Increased Lifespan and Balanced Cellular Repair
Carrying one copy of each allele provides a balanced mix of cellular repair and rapid cell-elimination capabilities. This intermediate profile is linked to a slightly increased lifespan potential.
What this genotype means: Slightly increased lifespan potential; Balanced cellular repair and cell-death response; Typical baseline metabolic markers.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The TP53 gene encodes the p53 protein, widely known as the guardian of the genome due to its essential role in preventing cancer [1]. This protein acts as a master regulator that monitors cellular stress, DNA damage, and oxygen deprivation [2]. When damage is detected, it halts cell division to allow for DNA repair or triggers programmed cell death if the damage is too severe [1]. These functions are critical for preventing the replication of damaged cells and maintaining overall tissue health.
Variant Impact: This specific variant, known as p.Pro72Arg, alters the 72nd amino acid of the p53 protein from proline to arginine [3]. This structural change does not cause disease, but it subtly alters how efficiently the protein performs its protective duties [2]. The arginine-encoding version is highly efficient at triggering cell death, whereas the proline-encoding version is more focused on halting the cell cycle to perform thorough DNA repair [2]. These biochemical differences influence how the body responds to cellular aging, chemotherapy, and metabolic stress.
Key Insight: The proline-encoding version of this protein is linked to an average of three additional years of lifespan, likely due to enhanced cellular resilience during major health challenges.
Location: TP53. Chromosome 17 · 17p13.1 · 7.7 Mb
Origin Story: The arginine-encoding version of this variant is significantly more common in colder climates, suggesting it may have provided an evolutionary advantage related to energy metabolism or fertility in freezing temperatures.
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 16.4%; European 6.5%; African 37.6%; East Asian 18.0%; South Asian 22.7%; Americas 9.0%; Ashkenazi 7.8%; Finnish 7.0%; Middle Eastern 12.5%; Amish 10.9%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 41.9%; European 38.0%; African 47.4%; East Asian 48.9%; South Asian 49.9%; Americas 42.0%; Ashkenazi 40.3%; Finnish 38.9%; Middle Eastern 45.7%; Amish 44.2%.
Estimated GC genotype frequency.
Global 41.7%; European 55.5%; African 14.9%; East Asian 33.1%; South Asian 27.4%; Americas 48.9%; Ashkenazi 51.9%; Finnish 54.1%; Middle Eastern 41.8%; Amish 44.9%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Lifestyle, Fitness & Aging
Aging & Longevity
Lifespan. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32882831. ~3 Years Longer.
Pharmacogenomics
Chemotherapy Response
Chemotherapy Response. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 19052714. Less Effective.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
Cholesterol Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Higher LDL.
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Blood Sugar Control. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Higher HbA1c.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Lifespan. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32882831. Typical Lifespan.
Chemotherapy Response. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 19052714. More Effective.
Cholesterol Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical LDL.
Blood Sugar Control. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical HbA1c.
Showing effects for G/C genotype
Lifespan. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32882831. Slightly Longer.
Chemotherapy Response. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 19052714. Moderately Effective.
Cholesterol Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Higher LDL.
Blood Sugar Control. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Higher HbA1c.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the G allele means the body produces the proline-encoding version of the p53 tumor suppressor protein [1]. Large-scale population studies show that this genotype is associated with living an average of three years longer [1]. This longevity benefit is believed to stem from increased cellular robustness and better survival rates after facing major health challenges [1]. Additionally, clinical trials indicate that tumors in individuals with this genotype are often less sensitive to chemotherapy regimens, including cisplatin and paclitaxel [2]. However, this genotype is also associated with slightly higher baseline levels of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HbA1c [3]. Active metabolic management can help mitigate these minor cardiovascular and blood sugar risks.
Average of 3 years longer lifespan; Reduced tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy; Slightly higher baseline cholesterol and HbA1c.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the C allele means the body exclusively produces the arginine-encoding version of the p53 protein [1]. This version is highly efficient at triggering rapid cell death to eliminate damaged cells, which is a robust defense against tumor development [1]. While this genotype represents the standard baseline for lifespan, it does not carry the specific longevity extension seen with the G allele [2]. In oncology settings, tumors associated with this genotype tend to show higher sensitivity to certain chemotherapy drugs [3]. On the positive side, this genetic profile is linked to lower baseline levels of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HbA1c [4]. This metabolic advantage supports long-term cardiovascular health.
Typical baseline lifespan; Favorable baseline cholesterol and blood sugar levels; Higher tumor sensitivity to some chemotherapies.
Sample genotype: GC (Heterozygous)
Possessing one G allele and one C allele results in a balanced cellular defense system that utilizes both versions of the p53 protein [1]. This hybrid profile allows the body to efficiently halt the cell cycle for DNA repair while retaining a strong capacity to trigger cell death when necessary [1]. Population data suggests this balanced state correlates with a modest increase in overall lifespan compared to the baseline [2]. Response to chemotherapy treatments is typically moderate, falling between the more resistant G/G genotype and the more sensitive C/C genotype [3]. Baseline metabolic markers, including cholesterol and blood sugar, generally remain close to typical population averages [4]. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports this balanced genetic foundation.
Slightly increased lifespan potential; Balanced cellular repair and cell-death response; Typical baseline metabolic markers.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs78378222 · TP53 Gene · Chr 17 · Cancer Susceptibility
rs11540652 · TP53 Gene · Chr 17 · Cancer Predisposition Risk
rs121912651 · TP53 Gene · Chr 17 · Cancer Risk
WAF1, a potential mediator of p53 tumor suppression.
Two polymorphic variants of wild-type p53 differ biochemically and biologically.
Codon 72 polymorphism of the TP53 gene.
Genetics of 35 blood and urine biomarkers in the UK Biobank.
Content updated August 2026.
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