Klotho Deficiency Promotes Skeletal Muscle Weakness and Is Associated with Impaired Motor Unit Connectivity

Abstract

Muscle wasting and weakness are critical clinical problems that limit mobility and independence, reduce health span, and increase the risk of physical disability. The molecular basis for this has not been fully determined. Klotho expression is downregulated in conditions associated with muscle wasting, including aging, chronic kidney disease, and myopathy. The objective of this study was to investigate a mechanistic role for Klotho in regulating muscle wasting and weakness. Body weight, lean mass, muscle mass, and myofiber caliber were reduced in Klotho-deficient mice. In the tibialis anterior muscle of Klotho-null mice, type IIa myofibers were resistant to changes in size, and muscle composition differed with a higher concentration of type IIb fibers to the detriment of type IIx fibers. Glycolytic GPDH enzymatic activity also increased. Klotho-deficient mice showed impaired muscle contractility, with reduced twitch force, torque, and contraction-relaxation rates. RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of synaptic and fetal sarcomeric genes, prompting us to examine muscle innervation. Klotho deficiency led to neuromuscular junction remodeling, myofiber denervation, and functional motor unit loss. Loss of motor units correlated with absolute torque. Collectively, these findings reveal a novel mechanism through which systemic Klotho deficiency disrupts muscle synapses and motor unit connectivity, potentially contributing to muscle wasting and weakness.