Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2009) 19 P185

SFEBES2009 Poster Presentations Endocrine tumours and neoplasia (32 abstracts)

The KL (klotho) gene is epigenetically silenced in primary hyperparathyroid tumours

P Björklund , T Krajisnik , G Åkerström , T Larsson & G Westin


Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.


Background: Klotho was first identified as a gene involved in aging. A recent publication identified klotho as a possible tumour suppressor in breast cancer. We have previously reported decreased expression of klotho in tumours of primary hyperparathyroidism, here we have investigated whether klotho expression is silenced by CpG methylation of the promoter region.

Materials and methods: Methylation status of klotho was determined by MSP in 40 parathyroid adenomas. Primary parathyroid tumour cell cultures were treated with the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, with subsequent determination of klotho mRNA level, cell growth inhibition, and induction of apoptosis.

Results and conclusion: The klotho gene promoter was CpG methylated in the majority of investigated parathyroid tumours and methylation status correlated inversely to klotho mRNA expression. The expression of klotho was strongly induced in parathyroid cells treated with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine. Significant inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis were also observed. These results strongly support a tumour suppressor role of klotho in the parathyroid.

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