Mutation of the mouse klotho gene leads to a syndrome resembling ageing
Abstract
A new gene, termed klotho, has been identified that is involved in the suppression of several ageing phenotypes. A defect in klotho gene expression in the mouse results in a syndrome that resembles human ageing, including a short lifespan, infertility, arteriosclerosis, skin atrophy, osteoporosis and emphysema. The gene encodes a membrane protein that shares sequence similarity with the β-glucosidase enzymes. The klotho gene product may function as part of a signalling pathway that regulates ageing in vivo and morbidity in age-related diseases.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- November 1997
- DOI:
- 10.1038/36285
- Bibcode:
- 1997Natur.390...45K