29/06/2025
Scientists have long dreamed of a treatment that slows aging and extends healthy life. A new study from researchers in Spain found that a protein called Klotho, after just one treatment, helped aging mice live almost 20% longer while also improving muscle strength, bone health, and brain function. This protein acts as a master regulator of aging processes across the body, addressing many age-related declines all at once.
The team used gene therapy to deliver Klotho into mice at middle age, allowing their bodies to produce the protein long-term. Mice treated at 12 months lived about 5 months longer than untreated ones, which is like extending human life from 80 to 96 years. Treated mice performed better on physical tests of coordination, endurance, and grip strength. Their muscles showed less scarring and better repair capacity, while female mice had stronger bones and more bone-building activity.
Brain analysis revealed increased growth of new neurons and better energy production, along with improved cleanup of damaged cells and a balanced immune response. These effects show how Klotho can slow aging by keeping natural repair systems active.
Although these results are exciting, they are limited to mice so far. Human trials are needed to see if Klotho could have similar benefits in people. Still, this discovery offers hope for a future treatment that could extend not just life, but quality of life, by slowing multiple aging effects at once with a single dose.