Klotho in diabetic kidney disease: more than dust in the Wnt

Kidney Int. 2022 Sep;102(3):469-471. doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.05.016.

Abstract

Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway represents a hallmark in the development of kidney fibrosis. Herein, Chen et al. report that Klotho-derived peptide 6, a peptide mimicking the function of the protein Klotho, directly binds to endogenous Wnt ligands and, thereby, serves as a small-molecule inhibitor of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In diabetic kidney disease, Klotho-derived peptide 6 reduces glomerular injury and preserves kidney function, highlighting Klotho-derived peptide 6 as a novel therapeutic agent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Diabetic Nephropathies* / drug therapy
  • Diabetic Nephropathies* / genetics
  • Diabetic Nephropathies* / metabolism
  • Glucuronidase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Klotho Proteins* / genetics
  • Klotho Proteins* / metabolism
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway* / genetics
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway* / physiology
  • beta Catenin* / genetics
  • beta Catenin* / metabolism

Substances

  • beta Catenin
  • Glucuronidase
  • KL protein, human
  • Klotho Proteins