Molecular Basis of Klotho: From Gene to Function in Aging

The discovery of the Klotho (KL) gene, which was originally identified as a putative aging-suppressor gene, has generated tremendous interest and has advanced understanding of the aging process. In mice, the overexpression of the KL gene extends the life span, whereas mutations to the KL gene shorten the life span. The human KL gene encodes the -Klotho protein, which is a multifunctional protein that regulates the metabolism of phosphate, calcium, and vitamin D. -Klotho also may function as a hormone, although the -Klotho receptor(s) has not been found. Point mutations of the KL gene in humans are associated with hypertension and kidney disease, which suggests that -Klotho may be essential to the maintenance…

• UO
  University of Oklahoma
• CO
  College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: DK093403, HL118558, AG049780, R01 HL118558, HL105302, HL102074, R01 AG049780
• UO
  University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center