Antiaging research using klotho mice

Abstract

The klotho mouse shows multiple phenotypes resembling human aging caused by the mutation of a single gene. This mutation is caused by the insertion of ectopic DNA into the regulatory region of the α-klotho gene. The α-klotho gene encodes a type I membrane protein that is expressed predominantly in the kidney and brain. As a result of a defect in α-klotho gene expression, the klotho mouse exhibits multiple age-associated disorders, such as arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, pulmonary emphysema and short life span. However, the mechanism by which the α-klotho gene product suppresses the aging phenomena has not been identified. Analysis of the pathophysiology of klotho mice is expected to give clues not only to understanding the mechanisms of individual diseases associated with aging but also the molecular mechanisms during human aging. We previously reported that the aberrant activation of μ-calpain is caused by the α-klotho mutation, and such change leads to degradation of cytoskeletal elements. Similar phenomena were observed in normal aged mice. Such deterioration may trigger tissue abnormalities in klotho mice and aged mice, but klotho protein may suppress these processes. We will summarize the function of α-klotho protein based on our research on the relationship between proteolysis and age-related disorders and the recent advanced researches. © 2010 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.