Klotho
An anti-aging protein named for the Greek Fate who spun the thread of life, studied for its role in regulating aging-related signaling pathways.
Overview
Klotho is a protein discovered in the 1990s when researchers found that mice lacking the gene developed a syndrome resembling accelerated aging, while mice engineered to overexpress it showed extended lifespan in early studies. This made Klotho one of the most closely studied single genes in mammalian aging biology, named after the Greek Fate said to spin the thread of life.
Mechanism of Action
Klotho functions both as a membrane-bound co-receptor for fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), regulating phosphate and vitamin D metabolism, and in a cleaved soluble form that circulates and is studied for broader systemic effects, including modulation of insulin/IGF-1 signaling and Wnt pathway inhibition — both pathways with established links to aging and longevity research.
Cited Research
Original knockout/overexpression studies
Established Klotho’s link to accelerated-aging and extended-lifespan phenotypes in mouse models.
FGF23 co-receptor signaling
Characterized membrane-bound Klotho’s role in FGF23-mediated phosphate homeostasis.
Cognitive function research
Soluble Klotho levels have been studied in relation to cognitive performance and neuroprotection in aging research.
This is a summary, not an exhaustive review. Search the primary literature yourself: Klotho on PubMed →
Safety & Handling
Klotho should be handled only by qualified personnel in a laboratory setting, stored and reconstituted per its Certificate of Analysis, and kept refrigerated once reconstituted. It is not evaluated or approved by the FDA for any human or veterinary use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Klotho a peptide?
It’s a larger protein rather than a short peptide, though the research-grade product sold here refers to the soluble/cleaved fragment studied in most research contexts.
Is Klotho legal to purchase?
It’s legal to sell and purchase as a research chemical for laboratory use in the U.S. It is not approved by the FDA as a drug or supplement for human consumption.
How should it be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder refrigerated or frozen prior to reconstitution. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated and use within the timeframe on its Certificate of Analysis.
Is this page medical advice?
No. This page summarizes published literature for research and educational context only. It does not recommend a dose, protocol, or use in humans or animals outside a laboratory setting.
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