New 'longevity protein' research: ‘This would fundamentally change the way we age as a society'
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Should klotho prove effective against Alzheimer’s disease—one of our biggest biomedical challenges—this would fundamentally change the way we age as a society.
Dena Dubal, MD, PhD
A “longevity protein” could be the answer for combating cognitive decline.
Researchers at biotech company Jocasta Neuroscience are currently investigating the klotho protein in human clinical trials.[]
“Klotho is a naturally occurring protein in our bodies that is closely linked to brain resilience against problems that arise with aging, including Alzheimer’s disease. Klotho levels decrease in our bodies and brains as we age and with neurodegenerative diseases,” Dena Dubal, MD, PhD, scientific co-founder at Jocasta Neuroscience and David A. Coulter Endowed Chair in Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease at the University of California San Francisco, tells MDLinx.
What if replenishing those declining levels could be a new treatment to stave off the ravages of brain aging? What if klotho was part of a cocktail of treatments for the brain that included boosting brain resilience? This could be a game-changer for brain health to prevent or treat diseases.
Dena Dubal, MD, PhD
Building on decades of research
Dr. Dubal’s lab was the first to develop klotho technology; earlier research, in 2014, demonstrated that klotho indeed has cognitive benefits.[] And new funding is allowing scientists to build on that research.[]
“I am incredibly excited to be part of this rigorous effort to advance klotho into human clinical trials. As a physician-scientist, this is truly a dream: to move a discovery from the bench to the bedside to help patients. Nearly a decade ago, we were surprised to find that a simple ‘shot in the belly’ of mice boosted cognition,” Dr. Dubal says.
While many drugs show promise in mice but fail in humans, klotho is different. It improves cognition even in aged monkeys, whose brains are much closer to ours. This increases data-driven hope that it could help the human condition.
Dena Dubal, MD, PhD
Changing how we age
Rather than targeting symptoms, researchers will focus on targeting the underlying biology of cognitive decline.
Dr. Dubal argues if klotho’s effects are proven in human clinical trials, this could have the ability to change the way we age.
“Neurotherapeutics have always been challenging because the brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier, which makes it difficult to deliver treatments. Klotho is different. A simple shot—into the belly or even the arm—improves brain function in model organisms. It doesn’t need invasive delivery methods, but instead relies on natural signals in the blood that can cross into the brain. This unique property is one reason why klotho may succeed as a therapy. Klotho signals to the brain to boost the function of memory molecules between brain cells. It’s quite remarkable,” she says.
“I think klotho treatment is close, really close. Academia is teaming with biotech and Pharma to advance it as a treatment. We will see some form of this on the market for some indication of aging. Should klotho prove effective against Alzheimer’s disease—one of our biggest biomedical challenges—this would fundamentally change the way we age as a society. Preserving and even boosting brain function would improve quality of life, and potentially sustain and stimulate economic growth and productivity, culture, and wisdom.”
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