Cognitive enhancement by the anti-aging protein Klotho – From molecular mechanisms to interventions (A04)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells ; Human Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 425899996

Klotho is an ageing regulator and pleiotropic hormone produced in the kidney and choroid plexus of the brain and at low levels also in neurons, that regulates lifespan and cognition. In studies in humans and mice we want to capitalize on the mechanisms by which Klotho regulates brain function and establish interventions that enhance neuronal Klotho expression also improve cognition and expand neural resource. The ultimate goal is assessing whether Klotho can be targeted as reserve in normal ageing or resilience in the face of manifest pathology.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1436: Neural resources of cognition
• Applicant Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
• Project Heads: Dr. Maria Andres-Alonso; Professor Dr. Emrah Düzel; Professor Dr. Michael R. Kreutz