Hitoshi Iwasaki

Mutation of the mouse klotho gene leads to a syndrome resembling ageing.

A new gene, termed klotho, has been identified that is involved in the suppression of several ageing phenotypes. A defect in klotho gene expression in the mouse results in a syndrome that resembles human ageing, including a short lifespan, infertility, arteriosclerosis, skin atrophy, osteoporosis and emphysema. The gene encodes a membrane protein that shares sequence similarity with the β-glucosidase enzymes. The klotho gene product may function as part of a signalling pathway that regulates ageing in vivo and morbidity in age-related diseases.

Naked Sendai virus vector lacking all of the envelope‐related genes: reduced cytopathogenicity and immunogenicity

Sendai virus (SeV) is a new class of cytoplasmic RNA vector that is free from genotoxicity that infects and multiplies in most mammalian cells, and directs high‐level transgene expression. We improved the vector by deleting all of the envelope‐related genes from the SeV genome and thus reducing its immunogenicity.