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Aging is inevitable -- or is it? Several startling discoveries of genes that can extend the lifespan of simple animals by several hundred percent have been reported (see JW Jul 1 1996, p. 108, or Science 1996; 272:1010), as have several genes responsible for rare human aging syndromes.
Now comes the discovery of a novel gene, named klotho for the Greek goddess who spins the thread of life, in mice. Mutations of klotho cause rapid aging in mice homozygous for the mutant. While these mice develop normally through three to four weeks of age, they have a greatly shortened lifespan and eventually display a series of diseases characteristic of human aging: arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, emphysema, and skin atrophy. The animals also are infertile.…