What role does CLOCK play in Langlebigkeit?

CLOCK (Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput) is a core circadian gene that regulates the body's internal clock. Disruption of circadian rhythms—due to shift work, jet lag, or irregular sleep—has been linked to accelerated aging, metabolic disorders, and reduced lifespan. Animal models with CLOCK mutations often exhibit metabolic abnormalities and shortened lifespan. In humans, certain CLOCK polymorphisms (e.g., rs1801260) are associated with sleep disturbances, obesity, and cardiovascular risk, but effect sizes are small and not directly longevity-promoting. The evidence for a direct role of CLOCK in human longevity is largely mechanistic, coming from animal studies or association analyses. Commercial DNA tests that market CLOCK variants as 'longevity markers' overstate their predictive power. A healthy lifestyle with consistent sleep-wake cycles, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition has a far greater impact on life expectancy than individual CLOCK variants. Therefore, the evidence level is best described as 'mechanistic'.