Klotho

Facts for Prelims

Klotho

News: Klotho is in news recently because of a study that showed that a single injection of klotho can boost cognitive function in older monkeys.

What is Klotho?
• Klotho is a protein that has many functions in the human body, such as regulating kidney function, vascular health, bone density, cognition, and aging. It is produced mainly by the kidneys and the brain, but its levels decline with age in humans and other mammals. There are three subtypes of klotho: α-klotho, β-klotho, and γ-klotho. Each subtype has different roles and interacts with different hormones and growth factors.

What did the study reveal?
• The results showed that the klotho-treated monkeys performed significantly better than the placebo group on tasks that required working memory, attention, and executive function.
• The klotho-treated monkeys also showed increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule that promotes brain health and plasticity.
• The researchers suggest that klotho may enhance cognition by improving the communication between neurons and strengthening the connections between brain regions. They also hope that klotho could be a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which are characterized by cognitive decline and brain atrophy.