Klotho Protein Protects the Brain From Alzheimer’s Disease

In a recent study conducted at the Boston University School of Medicine, researchers found that a specific protein may help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. Published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, they learned that by pre-treating neurons with the anti-aging protein, Klotho, neuron death was diminished when the cells encountered toxic amyloid proteins and glutamate. Alzheimer’s Disease currently affects 5.4 million Americans and is the most common age-related form of dementia. 13% of adults over the age of 65 have the disease, and that number jumps to over 40% for those over the age of 85. This disease causes cognitive impairment and dementia due to the death of neurons involved in memory and learning. More specifically, amyloid proteins and an excess of glutamate make up the basis of neuron death.

In the tests, neurons were grown in petri dishes with some given Klotho, while others did not receive the protein. After approximately four hours, amyloid or glutamate were given to the cells for 24 hours. Researchers found that neurons that had been given Klotho prior to the other proteins had a much higher survival rate than those who had not been administered Klotho.

One of the main researchers involved with the study, Carmela R. Abraham, Ph.D. remarked that “finding a neuroprotective agent that will protect nerve cells from amyloid that accumulates as a function of age in the brain is novel and of major importance.” As a result of these studies, the scientists have concrete evidence that an increase of Klotho in the brain will protect neurons from stress caused by both amyloid and glutamate.

This study provides numerous implications for further Alzheimer’s research by focusing on preventative measures instead of therapeutic. If Klotho continues to provide favorable results in further lab studies, it can be administered to people who are at a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s, therefore preventing the development of the disease before it even starts.

Klotho remains unable to penetrate the blood brain barrier due to its large size as a protein. For this reason, it cannot be given to patients by mouth or injection. In a different study, scientists discovered tiny molecules that can penetrate the brain and give neurons extra levels of Klotho. These researchers believe administering Klotho via these small molecules would be the most effective way of preventing Alzheimer’s Disease from occurring in those who are already at risk for it. Such treatments could also benefit patients suffering from Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and brain trauma according to researchers. More tests must be conducted before Klotho is given to at risk patients, but many scientists are optimistic about the future benefits of the protein.

Author

Gary Starkman Dr. Starkman, a top Neurologist in NYC, is the Medical Director and founder of New York Neurology Associates. He is Board Certified in Neurology with a subspecialty certification in Pain Medicine.