Klotho and the Search for the Youth Protein
•
5 min read
In 1997, the discovery of a mouse with a dramatically shortened lifespan due to a genetic mutation led to the identification of the Klotho gene. The protein it encodes, Klotho, has since been identified as a key regulator of various aging-related processes and is widely referred to as the "youth protein". Research indicates that higher levels of Klotho are associated with a longer, healthier life, while low levels correlate with premature aging syndromes and age-related pathologies.