Klotho (biology)

The Klotho gene codes for a transmembrane protein that, in addition to other effects, provides some control over the sensitivity of the organism to insulin and appears to be involved in aging. Its discovery was documented in 1997 by Kuro-o et al. The name of the gene comes from Klotho or Clotho, one of the Moirae, or Fates, in Greek mythology.

The Klotho protein is a novel β-glucuronidase (EC number 3.2.1.21) capable of hydrolyzing steroid β-glucuronides. Klotho has been shown to be a circulating factor detectable in serum that declines with age. Klotho-deficient mice manifest a syndrome resembling accelerated human aging and display extensive and accelerated arteriosclerosis. Additionally, they exhibit impaired endothelium dependent vasodilation and impaired angiogenesis, suggesting that Klotho protein may protect the cardiovascular system through endothelium-derived NO production.

Although the vast majority of research has been based on lack of Klotho, it was demonstrated that an overexpression of Klotho in mice might extend their average life span between 19% and 31% compared to normal mice. However, the actual use of overexpressing Klotho for extending life-span without side-effects is still a matter of speculation and remains to be justified by further experimentation.