Secreted αKlotho isoform protects against age-dependent memory deficits

Mol Psychiatry. 2018 Sep;23(9):1937-1947. doi: 10.1038/mp.2017.211. Epub 2017 Oct 31.

Abstract

αKlotho is a gene regulator of aging, increasing life expectancy when overexpressed and accelerating the development of aging phenotypes when inhibited. In mice, expression levels of the secreted isoform Klotho (s-KL) are very high in the brain, suggesting that s-KL activity may have an important role in the nervous system. Here we study the functional relevance at behavioural level of modifying s-KL levels in the aging brain. We used AAVrh10 vectors to deliver and sustained expression of s-KL in 6- and 12-month-old wild-type C57BL/6J males. This study demonstrates for we believe the first time in vivo that 6 months after a single injection of s-KL into the central nervous system, long-lasting and quantifiable enhancement of learning and memory capabilities are found. More importantly, cognitive improvement is also observable in 18-month-old mice treated once, at 12 months of age. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of s-KL as a treatment for cognitive decline associated with aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aging / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / metabolism
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / therapy
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Glucuronidase / genetics
  • Glucuronidase / physiology*
  • Klotho Proteins
  • Learning / physiology
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / metabolism*
  • Memory Disorders / physiopathology
  • Memory Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / genetics

Substances

  • Protein Isoforms
  • Glucuronidase
  • Klotho Proteins