Role of anti-aging gene klotho in oral and gastro-intestinal cancers

Abstract

Klotho, the anti-aging gene, has various roles, one of them being a tumor suppressor. Dysregulation of insulin/insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), Wnt and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling is major contributor to cancer. The tumor suppressor effects of Klotho have been attributed to its ability to modulate these pathways. In cancer cells, Klotho gene is silenced primarily through promoter hypermethylation. The ectopic expression or the restoration of Klotho directly corresponds to reduction in cancer. This implies its role in cancer therapeutics. In this article, the role of Klotho in oral and gastrointestinal cancers has been reviewed.