Targeted Inhibition of Klotho Binding to Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Prevents Hypophosphetemia

Klotho is a transmembrane protein which plays significant role in the pathogenesis of phosphate ion (Pi)-related disorders. Pi accumulation in human kidney tissues results in the major metabolic disorders due to malfunctioning of Klotho-FGFR1-FGF23 trimeric complex. The potential role of Klotho in Pi metabolism was elaborated through modeling and interaction analysis of glycosyl hydrolase (GS1 and GS2) domains with Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). In order to inhibit the association of Klotho and FGF23, binding patterns of three reported hits (N-(2-chlorophenyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide, N-[2-(1-cyclohexen-1-yl)ethyl]-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrido[1,2-e]purin-4-amine and 2-(1-propyl)amino-11-chlorothiazolo[5,4-a]acridine) were evaluated through molecular docking analysis. These inhibitors effectively targeted both GS1 and GS2 domains of Klotho at the similar sites required for FGF23 binding. To further characterize the comparative binding profile of these compounds, molecular dynamics simulation assays were performed. Taken together, current study emphasizes that Klotho may be anticipated as a target molecule in familial hypophosphatemic rickets and mentioned compounds may prove to be effective therapeutic targets against hypophosphetemia induced disorders.