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Klotho acts as a tumor suppressor in cancers
Biao Xie1, Jinhui Chen, Bin Liu
1Department of General Surgery, 8th Changsha Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410015, People's Republic of China.
Pathology Oncology Research : POR
|July 6, 2013
Summary
The klotho gene, an aging suppressor, plays a crucial role in cancer. Klotho acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting key cancer pathways, with its silencing linked to cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Aging Research
Background:
- The klotho gene is recognized as a key aging suppressor.
- Its involvement in chronic kidney disease pathology is established.
- Emerging evidence highlights klotho's significance in tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted role of the klotho gene in human cancer.
- To elucidate klotho's function as a tumor suppressor and its regulatory mechanisms in cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on klotho gene function in various human cancers.
- Analysis of klotho's inhibitory effects on critical signaling pathways like insulin/IGF1, p53/p21, and Wnt.
- Investigation of epigenetic mechanisms, including promoter hypermethylation and histone deacetylation, involved in klotho gene silencing.
Main Results:
- Klotho demonstrates tumor-suppressive activity by inhibiting insulin/IGF1, p53/p21, and Wnt signaling pathways.
- Klotho gene expression silencing in cancer is frequently mediated by epigenetic modifications such as promoter hypermethylation and histone deacetylation.
- Klotho is implicated in regulating cell proliferation, survival, autophagy, and resistance to anti-cancer therapies.
Conclusions:
- Klotho functions as a critical tumor suppressor, impacting multiple hallmarks of cancer.
- Epigenetic silencing of the klotho gene contributes to cancer development and progression.
- Understanding klotho's role offers potential therapeutic strategies for various human cancers.
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When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
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