Three fibroblast growth factor(FGF) members, FGF19, FGF21, and FGF23, function as endocrine factors that regulate various metabolic processes. The unique feature of these endo- crine FGFs is the fact that they require Klotho proteins to bind to their cognate FGF recep- tors. Defects in Klotho or FGF23 result in disturbed mineral metabolism and accelerated aging. The aging phenotypes can be alleviated by correcting phosphate imbalance, leading us to hypothesize that phosphate accelerates aging. In contrast, overexpression of FGF21 extends life span in mice. Thus, the FGF-Klotho endocrine axes have emerged as key regula- tors of the aging process and are regarded as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of age-related disorders.
Introduction Deletion or mutations in Dmp1, expressed in both hard and soft tissues, leads to an increase of FGF23 and hypophosphatemic rickets. Deletion of FGF23 or Klotho (co‐receptor of FGF23) leads to a chronic kidney diseases like phenotype. Purpose To test the hypothesis that DMP1 plays a protective role in renal osteodystrophy caused by deletion of Klotho. Methods Dmp1 KO, Klotho KO, Dmp1‐Klotho double‐KO (dKO) mice were generated, sacrificed and compared to WT at 6 wk; x‐ray, uCT, SEM, serum biochemistry, histology, TRAP and TUNEL methods were used for phenotype analyses. Results dKO mice displayed an identical serum biochemical phenotype (high Pi/FGF23, low PTH) and aging as those in single Klotho KO, with unexpected massive ectopic calcification in the dental pulp/root canal, aorta and kidney, plus a substantial increase in apoptosis (P<0.001, compared to single Klotho KO). These pathological changes are completely different from either Dmp1 KO (low in apoptosis with normal life span and no ectopic ossification) or Klotho KO (a moderate increase in apoptosis and ectopic ossification in soft tissue). Conclusion DMP1 has a possible protective role in conditions such as the renal osteodystrophy. In addition, DMP1 appears to have a novel protective role for odontoblasts, osteocytes and endothelial cells of aorta and kidney in the pro‐apoptotic conditions such as the renal osteodystrophy. Grant Funding Source : NIH grants to JQF for DEDE018486015209
We produced transgenic mice overexpressing Na+/ H+ exchanger as a model of salt-sensitive hypertension and reported that dietary salt loading elevates blood pressure in these transgenic mice. We speculate that this blood pressure elevation may be attributed to the elevation of intraarterial smooth muscle Ca2+ concentration through Na+/Ca2+ exchange. To test this hypothesis, we measured the isometric tension of aortic rings and intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) of cultured smooth muscle cells. In the transgenic mice, the aortic ring contraction induced by 5 mM caffeine (percentage of 60 mM K-induced contraction) was significantly greater than control mice (60.1 +/- 5.5% vs. 44.8 +/- 3.1%). The mean [Ca2+]i in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of transgenic mice (123.1 +/- 19.7 nM) was higher than those in VSMCs of control mice (66.6 +/- 7.2 nM). These observations suggest that dietary salt loading increases the concentration of calcium in arterial smooth muscle cells in this transgenic mice. These findings are helpful in tracing the causes of salt-sensitive hypertension.
Bone is constantly formed and resorbed throughout life by coordinated actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in osteoblast function remain incompletely understood. Here we show, for the first time, that the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase PIN1 controls the osteogenic activity of osteoblasts. Pin1 null mice exhibited an age-dependent decrease in bone mineral density and trabecular bone formation without alteration in cortical bone. Further analysis identified a defect in BMP signaling in Pin1 null osteoblasts but normal osteoclast function. PIN1 interacted with SMAD5 and was required for the expression by primary osteoblasts of osteoblast specific transcription factors (CBFA1 and OSX), ECM (collagen I and OCN) and the formation of bone nodules. Our results thus uncover a novel aspect of the molecular underpinning of osteoblast function and identify a new therapeutic target for bone diseases.
Klotho is a putative aging suppressor gene encoding a single-pass transmembrane co-receptor that makes the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor specific for FGF-23. In addition to multiple endocrine organs, Klotho is expressed in kidney distal convoluted tubules and parathyroid cells, mediating the role of FGF-23 in bone-kidney-parathyroid control of phosphate and calcium. Klotho⁻/⁻ mice display premature aging and chronic kidney disease-associated mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD)-like phenotypes mediated by hyperphosphatemia and remediated by phosphate-lowering interventions (diets low in phosphate or vitamin D; knockouts of 1α-hydroxylase, vitamin D receptor, or NaPi cotransporter). CKD can be seen as a state of hyperphosphatemia-induced accelerated aging associated with Klotho deficiency. Humans with CKD experience decreased Klotho expression as early as stage 1 CKD; Klotho continues to decline as CKD progresses, causing FGF-23 resistance and provoking large FGF-23 and parathyroid hormone increases, and hypovitaminosis D. Secreted Klotho protein, formed by extracellular clipping, exerts FGF-23-independent phosphaturic and calcium-conserving effects through its paracrine action on the proximal and distal tubules, respectively. We contend that decreased Klotho expression is the earliest biomarker of CKD and the initiator of CKD-MBD pathophysiology. Maintaining normal phosphate levels with phosphate binders in patients with CKD with declining Klotho expression is expected to reduce mineral and vascular derangements.
Background Gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly constipation, increase with aging, but their underlying mechanisms are poorly understood due to lack of experimental models. Previously we established the progeric klotho mouse as a model of aging-associated anorexia and gastric dysmotility. We also detected reduced fecal output in these animals; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate in vivo function and cellular make-up of the small intestinal and colonic neuromuscular apparatus. Methods Klotho expression was studied by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Motility was assessed by dye transit and bead expulsion. Smooth muscle and neuron-specific gene expression was studied by Western immunoblotting. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and precursors were analyzed by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and three-dimensional reconstruction. HuC/D+ myenteric neurons were enumerated by fluorescent microscopy. Key Results Klotho protein was detected in neurons, smooth muscle cells, and some ICC classes. Small intestinal transit was slower but whole-gut transit of klotho mice was accelerated due to faster colonic transit and shorter intestinal lengths, apparent only after weaning. Fecal water content remained normal despite reduced output. Smooth muscle myosin expression was reduced. ICC, ICC precursors, as well as nitrergic and cholinergic neurons maintained their normal proportions in the shorter intestines. Conclusions & Inferences Progeric klotho mice express less contractile proteins and develop generalized intestinal neuromuscular hypoplasia mainly arising from stunted postweaning growth. As reduced fecal output in these mice occurs in the presence of accelerated colonic and whole-gut transit, it likely reflects reduced food intake rather than intestinal dysmotility.
