MUTATION OF THE MOUSE KLOTHO GENE LEADS TO A SYNDROME RESEMBLING AGING

A new gene, termed klotho, has been identified that is involved in the suppression of several ageing phenotypes. A defect in klotho gene exp ression in the mouse results in a syndrome that resembles human ageing , Including a short lifespan, infertility, arteriosclerosis, skin atro phy, osteoporosis and emphysema. The gene encodes a membrane protein t hat shares sequence similarity with the B-glucosidase enzymes. The klo tho gene product may function as part of a signalling pathway that reg ulates ageing in vivo and morbidity In age-related diseases.