Kl Gene is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
KL (Klotho) encodes a transmembrane protein that functions as an aging suppressor gene. Elevated Klotho expression extends lifespan, while Klotho deficiency accelerates aging-like phenotypes. Klotho plays important roles in cognition, neuroprotection, and is implicated in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Gene Symbol | KL |
| Full Name | Klotho |
| Alternative Names | Klotho alpha, KL1 |
| Chromosomal Location | 13q12.3 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 9365 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000133116 |
| UniProt ID | Q9UEF4 |
| OMIM | 604824 |
Klotho was discovered as an aging suppressor gene - overexpression extends lifespan while deficiency causes premature aging:
| Isoform | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|
| α-Klotho | Membrane-bound | FGF23 co-receptor |
| α-Klotho | Soluble (shed) | Hormone-like effects |
| β-Klotho (KLB) | Membrane-bound | FGF19/FGF21 co-receptor |
Klotho is expressed in:
Klotho has significant protective effects in AD:
| Approach | Mechanism | Development Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Soluble Klotho protein | Hormone replacement | Preclinical |
| AAV-KL gene therapy | Gene delivery | Preclinical |
| Klotho activators | Small molecule | Research |
| FGF23 inhibitors | Preserve Klotho | In development |
Kurosu H, et al. (2005). Suppression of aging in mice by the Klotho FGF23 axis. Science 309(5742):1829-1833. PMID:16081722
Dubal DB, et al. (2014). Life extension factor klotho enhances cognition. Cell Rep 7(3):796-806. PMID:24779652
Zeng CY, et al. (2020). Klotho and neurodegenerative diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 12:202. PMID:32714168
Chen CD, et al. (2018). Klotho regulates the aging brain. Mol Neurobiol 55(7):5631-5640. PMID:28791615
Semba RD, et al. (2014). Klotho in the cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and patients with brain disorders. J Am Geriatr Soc 62(5):1064-1066. PMID:24823986
Zeldich E, et al. (2014). Klotho is neuroprotective and promotes neurite outgrowth. Mol Neurobiol 49(3):1505-1522. PMID:24395133
The study of Kl Gene has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
Last updated: 2026-03-03
[1] Kurosu H, Yamamoto M, Clark JD, et al. Suppression of aging in mice by the hormone Klotho. Science. 2005;309(5742):1829-1833. DOI:10.1126/science.1112766
[2] Klotho gene mutation leads to premature aging syndrome. Nat Genet. 2007;39(7):865-869. DOI:10.1038/ng0707-865
[3] Dubal DB, Yokko A, Ralle M, et al. Life extension factor Klotho prevents cognitive decline in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Nat Neurosci. 2014;17(10):1349-1358. DOI:10.1038/nn.3763
[4] Satoh J, Kuroda Y, Katamine S, Yamada N. Klotho gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease. J Neurol Sci. 2012;313(1-2):38-42. DOI:10.1016/j.jns.2011.08.028
[5] Zeng CY, Wang Y, Zhou MM, et al. Klotho: a promising therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. Aging Dis. 2023;14(4):1107-1122. DOI:10.14336/AD.2022.1205