An international team of researchers has successfully extended the lifespan of mice by 15–20% and improved their physical and mental health by increasing levels of the Klotho protein. This breakthrough, led by the Institut de Neurociències at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (INc-UAB), suggests new directions for treating age-related diseases and promoting healthy aging in humans.
Key findings include:
- Improved muscle strength and structure
- Better bone quality, especially in female mice
- Enhanced cognitive function through new neuron formation
- Longevity increase of up to 20%
These results, published in Molecular Therapy, mark a significant step forward in the development of future treatments to combat aging.
Table of contents:
- Boosting Klotho levels through gene therapy in mice
- Muscle and bone health boosted in older animals
- Cognitive resilience and neuron growth observed in brain
- Patents secure future of Klotho-based therapies
Boosting Klotho levels through gene therapy in mice
The research team, led by Professor Miguel Chillón, used gene therapy to increase levels of the secreted form of the Klotho protein (s-KL) in mice. The modified vectors introduced the s-KL gene directly into the bloodstream and brain, enabling the body to naturally produce the protein. By the age of 24 months-comparable to around 70 years in humans-treated mice showed significantly improved muscle mass, bone structure, and memory function.
The therapy relied on adeno-associated viral vectors, which were injected into the tail vein and the brain’s ventricles. This allowed widespread distribution of s-KL, including access to the hippocampus, a brain region essential for memory. “We have been working with Klotho for years due to its potential to treat neurodegenerative conditions,” said Chillón. “This study confirms that it also promotes overall healthy aging.”
Muscle and bone health boosted in older animals
Treated mice had visibly thicker muscle fibers, reduced fibrosis, and improved coordination. These physical enhancements are key indicators of delayed muscular degeneration. Bone analysis also showed denser and better-preserved internal bone structures (trabeculae), especially in female mice, suggesting resistance to conditions like osteoporosis.
Researchers documented:
- Larger and healthier muscle fibers
- Reduced signs of tissue scarring
- Stronger internal bone architecture in females
“These findings are especially relevant as loss of mobility and bone strength are major aging-related challenges,” said researcher Joan Roig-Soriano.
Cognitive resilience and neuron growth observed in brain
In the hippocampus, s-KL treatment led to the formation of new neurons and increased immune activity. This suggests the therapy not only slows brain aging but may also protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s. The combination of improved brain cell renewal and immune response is rare in elderly animals, making this result especially promising.
The success of intravenous administration is key. “We now have vectors that can reach the brain without direct injection into the skull, opening a path to human applications,” Roig-Soriano explained. Still, researchers note that directly administering the protein, rather than using viral vectors, could be more suitable for clinical use once delivery methods are optimized.
Patents secure future of Klotho-based therapies
The team had already secured a patent for using Klotho to treat cognitive impairment. Following this study, they have filed three additional patents covering muscle support, bone health, and longevity enhancement. These legal protections pave the way for turning the findings into real-world therapies.
Klotho’s effects now cover:
- Cognitive protection
- Muscle preservation
- Bone density maintenance
- Increased lifespan
With growing global interest in slowing the effects of aging, this discovery highlights the potential of targeted gene therapies to improve quality of life in old age. The INc-UAB team continues work on delivery methods to ensure the therapy is safe and effective for human use.
Source: Sci Tech Daily