Kurosu等人最新发现, Klotho 基因缺损加速小鼠衰老, 相反, Klotho过量表达(overexpression)则延伸寿命。 这一工作进一步揭示, Klotho抑制延寿机制胰岛素及相似因子(IGF1). 因此, Klotho可能是哺乳动物体内一种延长寿命的激素.

Suppression of Aging in Mice by the Hormone Klotho

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/IGF1 signaling, suggesting that Klotho-mediated inhibition of insulin/IGF1 signaling contributes to its anti-aging properties. Klotho protein may function as an anti-aging hormone in mammals.

Science, Accepted on August 4, 2005