Illustration demonstrating that the number of DNA molecules (red circular structures) in the mitochondria of a person relates to specific traits of their personality: neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness (represented by graphics reflected in the mirror, clockwise from the top). Image credit: Richard Oppong and Lauren Brick (CC BY 4.0)
Cells are powered by internal structures called mitochondria which have their own DNA molecules. How many copies of mitochondrial DNA blood cells contain is one aspect of mitochondrial health and is considered to provide a good indication of an individual’s ability to convert glucose into energy. Consequently, changes in the amount of mitochondrial DNA in the blood are linked to conditions like diabetes and cancer, and have also been associated with aging and mortality.
A set of well-classified personality traits known as ‘the Big Five’ have also been shown to affect energy levels and the longevity of individuals. However, it remained unclear if there is a relationship between these characteristics and the number of copies of mitochondrial DNA in the blood.
To investigate, Oppong et al. used a specialized test to assess the personality traits of participants from two separate cohorts: Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Ageing and the SardiNIA Project. The genomic sequence of each person was then analyzed to calculate the amount of mitochondrial DNA in their blood, and their mortality was recorded based on whether they were alive or dead multiple years later.
Oppong et al. found that low levels of mitochondrial DNA were linked with high scores in neuroticism (a trait typically associated with anxiety, depression, and self-doubt). Further statistical tests revealed that mitochondrial DNA levels mediate the relationship between a person’s personality and their risk of death.
These findings suggest that personality traits impact the number of mitochondrial DNA molecules in a person’s blood, which, in turn, influences how long they are likely to live. However, further work is needed to find out what causes this effect.
