Relevant use of Klotho in FGF19 subfamily signaling system in vivo.

Alpha-Klotho (alpha-Kl) and its homolog, beta-Klotho (beta-Kl) are key regulators of mineral homeostasis and bile acid/cholesterol metabolism, respectively. FGF15/ humanFGF19, FGF21, and FGF23, members of the FGF19 subfamily, are believed to act as circulating metabolic regulators. Analyses of functional interactions between alpha- and beta-Kl and FGF19 factors in wild-type, alpha-kl(-/-), and beta-kl(-/-) mice revealed a comprehensive regulatory scheme of mineral homeostasis involving the mutually regulated positive/negative feedback actions of alpha-Kl, FGF23, and 1,25(OH)(2)D and an analogous regulatory network composed of beta-Kl, FGF15/humanFGF19, and bile acids that regulate bile acid/cholesterol metabolism. Contrary to in vitro data, beta-Kl is not essential for FGF21 signaling in adipose tissues in vivo, because (i) FGF21 signals are transduced in the absence of beta-Kl, (ii) FGF21 could not be precipitated by beta-Kl, and (iii) essential phenotypes in Fgf21(-/-) mice (decreased expressions of Hsl and Atgl in WAT) were not replicated in beta-kl(-/-) mice. These findings suggest the existence of Klotho-independent FGF21 signaling pathway(s) where undefined cofactors are involved. One-to-one functional interactions such as alpha-Klotho/FGF23, beta-Klotho/FGF15 (humanFGF19), and undefined cofactor/FGF21 would result in tissue-specific signal transduction of the FGF19 subfamily.