title: [klotho gene].
abstract: The klotho gene, originally identified by insertional mutagenesis in mice, suppresses multiple aging phenotypes(e.g. arteriosclerosis, pulmonary emphysema, osteoporosis, infertility, short lifespan). We have shown that mice deficient for the klotho gene show endothelial dysfunction as manifested by an attenuated response of aortic relaxation in response to acetylcholine stimulation. Nitric oxide production was also significantly reduced in klotho deficient mice. A decrease in klotho gene expression in animals under sustained circulatory and metabolic stress(e.g. atherosclerosis). The klotho gene delivery improves endothelial dysfunction through a pathway involving nitric oxide, and is involved in modulating vascular function(e.g. hypertension, vascular remodeling). Our findings establish the basis for the therapeutic potential of klotho gene delivery in atherosclerotic disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathophysiology and Internal Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Yuichiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Masahiko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kurabayashi
authors.forename: Ryozo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nagai
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000628:therapy; D005966:Glucuronidase; D006973:Hypertension / Q000628:therapy; D000090265:Klotho Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D005966:Glucuronidase; D000090265:Klotho Proteins