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Cell biology

Klotho

Klotho (here meaning alpha-Klotho, distinct from beta-Klotho) is a membrane-spanning protein, made mostly in your kidney and brain. After it is cleaved, it also circulates as a soluble hormone. It regulates phosphate and vitamin D balance, by serving as a co-receptor for FGF23. And it tunes several signaling pathways, including insulin/IGF-1 and Wnt. Mice lacking Klotho show accelerated aging; mice overexpressing it live longer. In humans, higher circulating Klotho is linked to better cognition and lower heart and kidney disease risk.

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Sources

  1. Kuro-o M, Matsumura Y, Aizawa H, et al. (1997). Mutation of the mouse klotho gene leads to a syndrome resembling ageing. Naturedoi:10.1038/36285
  2. Hu MC, Shi M, Zhang J, et al. (2010). Klotho: a novel phosphaturic substance acting as an autocrine enzyme in the renal proximal tubule. FASEB Journaldoi:10.1096/fj.10-154765
  3. Kurosu H, Yamamoto M, Clark JD, et al. (2005). Suppression of aging in mice by the hormone Klotho. Sciencedoi:10.1126/science.1112766

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