this gene encodes a type-i membrane protein that is related to β-glucuronidases. reduced production of this protein has been observed in patients with chronic kidney failure (ckf), and this may be one of the factors underlying the degenerative processes (e.g., arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, and skin atrophy) seen in ckf. also, mutations within this protein have been associated with ageing, bone loss and alcohol consumption. transgenic mice that overexpress klotho live longer than wild-type mice.