Klotho: Hope For Increased Longevity And Reduced Neurodegenerative Disease (Part 1)
(Posted on Monday, February 20, 2023)
Renewed interest in a protein called klotho is pervading the scientific world. Klotho is a known anti-inflammatory protein that also contains anti-aging properties. In this two-part series, we will explore what klotho is, how it might impact inflammatory brain diseases, and how it ultimately prevents aging.
The History of Klotho
The Klotho gene and protein were discovered in 1997 by a scientist named Makoto Kuro-o. The name Klotho refers to the Greek mythological story of the three Fates. Klotho spun the thread of human life. The two other fates, Lachesis and Atropos dispensed and cut the thread. Together, the three fates controlled the lives of each human being and had the power to choose who was saved and who passed away.
How does this story about a Greek mythological character relate to a small protein in our bodies?
Klotho was discovered when a team of scientists in Japan noticed an inbred variant of mice that aged more quickly and had a shortened lifespan. The mice exhibited symptoms of multiple organ degeneration and cardiovascular disease among other age-related difficulties. They tracked this trait to a single inactivated gene that they named klotho. Subsequent experiments have confirmed this observation in other mouse strains and have determined that higher levels of klotho protein in mice extend lifespan significantly.