Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 17, 2025
Tumor Engraftment in a Xenograft Mouse Model of Human Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Published on: March 30, 2018
Klotho and the Treatment of Human Malignancies
Aishani Sachdeva1,2, Jerome Gouge3, Christos Kontovounisios1,2
1The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW6 6JJ, UK.
Abstract:
Klotho was first discovered as an anti-ageing protein linked to a number of age-related disease processes, including cardiovascular, renal, musculoskeletal, and neurodegenerative conditions. Emerging research has also demonstrated a potential therapeutic role for Klotho in cancer biology, which is perhaps unsurprising given that cancer and ageing share similar molecular hallmarks. In addition to functioning as a tumour suppressor in numerous solid tumours and haematological malignancies, Klotho represents a candidate therapeutic target for patients with these diseases, the majority of whom have limited treatment options. Here, we examine contemporary evidence evaluating the anti-neoplastic effects of Klotho and describe the modulation of downstream oncogenic signalling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, FGF, IGF1, PIK3K/AKT, TGFβ, and the Unfolded Protein Response. We also discuss possible approaches to developing therapeutic Klotho and consider technological advances that may facilitate the delivery of Klotho through gene therapy.
Insights
Klotho, an anti-ageing protein, shows promise as a cancer therapy. It acts as a tumor suppressor and targets key cancer pathways, offering new treatment avenues.
Area of Science:
- Biogerontology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Klotho is an anti-ageing protein associated with age-related diseases.
- Cancer and ageing share molecular pathways, suggesting Klotho's relevance in oncology.
- Klotho has demonstrated tumor suppressor functions in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on Klotho's anti-cancer effects.
- To explore Klotho's modulation of oncogenic signaling pathways.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies and gene therapy for Klotho delivery.
Main Methods:
- Review of contemporary scientific literature.
- Analysis of Klotho's impact on signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, FGF, IGF1, PIK3K/AKT, TGFβ, Unfolded Protein Response).
- Discussion of therapeutic development and gene therapy approaches.
Main Results:
- Klotho exhibits anti-neoplastic effects across solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
- Klotho modulates critical oncogenic signaling pathways implicated in cancer progression.
- Evidence supports Klotho as a potential therapeutic target for cancer patients.
Conclusions:
- Klotho presents a promising therapeutic target for various cancers.
- Understanding Klotho's role in signaling pathways is key to developing novel cancer treatments.
- Gene therapy offers a potential delivery method for therapeutic Klotho.
Related Concept Videos
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
02:34Inhibition of Cdk Activity