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

Speer, Thimoteus; Schunk, Stefan J · Kidney Int · 2022

review · Level V

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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.

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