Klotho is an anti-aging single-pass membrane protein predominantly produced in the kidney, with shedding of the amino-terminal extracellular domain into the systemic circulation. Circulating levels of soluble Klotho decrease with age, and the klotho gene is associated with increased risk of age-related diseases.

☼ The Klotho gene and protein were discovered in 1997 by a scientist named Makoto Kuro-o. The name Klotho refers to the Greek mythological story of the three Fates. Klotho spun the thread of human life. The two other fates, Lachesis and Atropos dispensed and cut the thread.