Int J Pharm Bio Sci Volume 2 Issue 1, 2011 (January - March), Pages:497-507
Klotho an anti- Aging gene
Rakesh Kumar Sharma,Ashish Sethi
DOI:
Abstract:
The klotho gene, identified by insertional mutagenesis in mice, is a suppressor of the expression of multiple aging phenotypes. The klotho gene plays a critical role in regulating aging and the development of age-related diseases in mammals: Loss of klotho can result in multiple aging-like phenotypes, while overexpression of klotho gene extends lifespan by 20-30%. Mice lacking KL exhibit many changes that occur during aging, including atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, infertility, and cognitive decline. The gene for the mammalian KL has two transcripts that encode a long type I transmembrane protein and a short secreted protein. The long isoform of KL, originating from the transmembrane isoform, is found in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), suggesting that the extracellular domain of KL is cleaved and released from the cell membrane.