Klotho
α-Klotho (soluble fragment)
Anti-aging protein — overexpression extends mouse lifespan ~30%
About
Soluble α-klotho is a circulating fragment of the Klotho protein, named after the Greek fate who spins the thread of life. Mice engineered to overexpress klotho live 30% longer; klotho-deficient mice age prematurely.
Mechanism
Co-receptor for FGF23 (phosphate homeostasis); inhibits insulin/IGF-1 signaling (longevity pathway); enhances antioxidant FOXO transcription; modulates Wnt and TGF-β signaling.
Dosage
Draw to 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
1 mg · 1 mL BAC
When to take: Any time; weekly cadence makes timing less important.
Reconstitution
Vial size (mg): 1 mg · BAC water (mL): 1 mL · Concentration: 1 mg/mL
Expensive — measure precisely. Sensitive to heat; keep cold throughout.
Benefits
- Possible lifespan extension (animal data)
- Cognitive protection (Alzheimer models)
- Cardiovascular protection
- Kidney protection
- Bone density maintenance
- Insulin/IGF-1 axis modulation
Side effects
- Limited human data — side effects largely unknown
- Theoretical: altered phosphate metabolism (FGF23 co-receptor effects)
- Animal studies show good tolerability
Gender notes
Cautions
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Chronic kidney disease (phosphate metabolism interaction)
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Active cancer (insufficient data on tumor signaling impact)
Research
- Kuro-o M et al: Mutation of the mouse klotho gene leads to a syndrome resembling ageing
Nature · 1997
Original 1997 discovery: klotho-deficient mice show accelerated aging.
- Kurosu H et al: Suppression of aging in mice by the hormone Klotho
Science · 2005
Mice overexpressing klotho live 19-31% longer than wild-type.