Suppression of aging in mice by the hormone Klotho

H Kurosu, M Yamamoto, JD Clark, JV Pastor, A Nandi… - Science, 2005 - science.org
H Kurosu, M Yamamoto, JD Clark, JV Pastor, A Nandi, P Gurnani, OP McGuinness…
Science, 2005science.org
A defect in Klotho gene expression in mice accelerates the degeneration of multiple age-
sensitive traits. Here, we show that overexpression of Klotho in mice extends life span.
Klotho protein functions as a circulating hormone that binds to a cell-surface receptor and
represses intracellular signals of insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), an
evolutionarily conserved mechanism for extending life span. Alleviation of aging-like
phenotypes in Klotho-deficient mice was observed by perturbing insulin and IGF1 signaling …
A defect in Klotho gene expression in mice accelerates the degeneration of multiple age-sensitive traits. Here, we show that overexpression of Klotho in mice extends life span. Klotho protein functions as a circulating hormone that binds to a cell-surface receptor and represses intracellular signals of insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for extending life span. Alleviation of aging-like phenotypes in Klotho-deficient mice was observed by perturbing insulin and IGF1 signaling, suggesting that Klotho-mediated inhibition of insulin and IGF1 signaling contributes to its anti-aging properties. Klotho protein may function as an anti-aging hormone in mammals.
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