Research Progress of Klotho

Abstract Klotho, a newly identified anti-aging gene, can be regulated by many factors, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide, fibroblast growth factor 2 could up-regulate Klotho expression; whereas renin-angiotensin system, urinary toxins, inflammation and oxidative stress could reduce expression of Klotho. There are two forms of Klotho protein: membrane-bound Klotho and secreted Klotho. Existing studies showed that Klotho was involved in the development of many diseases, including vascular calcification, atherosclerosis, hypertension, kidney damage, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes and tumors. In this paper, the regulation of Klotho expression and its role in diseases are reviewed briefly.