Klotho and the aging process

Korean J Intern Med. 2011 Jun;26(2):113-22. doi: 10.3904/kjim.2011.26.2.113. Epub 2011 Jun 1.

Abstract

The klotho gene was originally identified as a putative age-suppressing gene in mice that extends life span when overexpressed. It induces complex phenotypes resembling human premature aging syndromes when disrupted. The gene was named after a Greek goddess Klotho who spun the thread of life. Since then, various functional aspects of the klotho gene have been investigated, leading to the identification of multiple novel endocrine axes that regulate various metabolic processes and an unexpected link between mineral metabolism and aging. The purposes of this review were to overview recent progress on Klotho research and to discuss a novel aging mechanism.

Keywords: Fibroblast growth factor; Klotho; Phosphate; Vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / genetics
  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Chronic Disease
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Glucuronidase / genetics
  • Glucuronidase / metabolism*
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / metabolism
  • Kidney Diseases / physiopathology
  • Klotho Proteins
  • Phenotype
  • Phosphates / metabolism
  • Phosphorus, Dietary / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Phosphates
  • Phosphorus, Dietary
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • Glucuronidase
  • Klotho Proteins