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Klotho gene polymorphism, brain structure and cognition in early-life development
Clarisse F de Vries1, Roger T Staff2, Kimberly G Noble3
1Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
Brain Imaging and Behavior
|November 6, 2018
Summary
The klotho gene
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The klotho gene (KL) is implicated in aging and cognitive function in later life.
- The KL-VS allele variant is linked to longevity, enhanced cognition, and brain structure in older adults.
- Previous research suggests age-dependent effects of KL-VS, necessitating investigation in younger populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the early influence of the KL-VS allele on cognitive development and brain morphology in children and adolescents.
- To examine age, sex, and socioeconomic interactions with KL-VS genotype on cognitive and brain outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 1387 children and adolescents (ages 3-21) examining KL-VS carrier status.
- Neuropsychological assessments for executive function, attention, episodic memory, and general cognition.
- Brain imaging (MRI) to assess grey matter, white matter, and total brain volume.
Main Results:
- No main effect of KL-VS on cognition or brain structure was observed.
- A significant KL-VS × age interaction revealed better cognition in heterozygotes before age 11, and lower cognition after age 11.
- KL-VS heterozygotes showed smaller brain volumes in early childhood, with sex-specific effects on white matter volume.
Conclusions:
- Contrary to findings in late life, KL-VS does not appear to have a main effect on cognition and brain structure during development.
- The influence of KL-VS on cognitive and brain development is age- and sex-dependent.
- Replication study in a separate cohort yielded no significant associations, highlighting the need for further validation.
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