SOX2 and NTF3 in taste buds of aging klotho-deficient mice
In klotho-deficient mice, a model of accelerated aging, taste buds were smaller and SOX2 lower; cell experiments linked SOX2 to NTF3 regulation. These are mouse and cell findings, not evidence about human taste or lifespan. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
Kl -/- mice, a model of accelerated aging, had reduced taste bud diameter and lower expression of key taste receptors and type II taste cells than wild-type mice. [1]
SOX2 expression was decreased in taste buds and tongue epithelium of Kl -/- mice. [1]
Knockdown of SOX2 reduced taste-related genes and lowered NTF3 and BDNF, and SOX2 directly regulated NTF3 promoter activity. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Preclinical mouse and cell study (abstract)
- Population / context
- Klotho-deficient (Kl -/-) mice, described as a model of accelerated aging, plus cell experiments
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- September 24, 2026
Klotho-deficient mice as an accelerated-aging model
The abstract describes taste dysfunction as commonly linked to aging, with changes in the tongue epithelium. To study mechanisms, the authors used klotho-deficient (Kl -/-) mice, described as a model of accelerated aging. In these mice the tongue epithelium showed altered muscle organization and more clear spaces within the muscle compartment, and minor salivary glands showed atrophy of acinar cells. Compared with wild-type mice, Kl -/- mice had a reduced taste bud diameter and lower expression of key taste receptors and of type II taste cells.
Supporting source [1]
SOX2, NTF3 and taste-related genes in cell experiments
Immunohistochemical and western blot analyses showed decreased SOX2 expression in taste buds and tongue epithelium of the Kl -/- mice. In cell experiments, overexpression of SOX2 significantly raised PLCB2, which the abstract links to taste bud cell differentiation and function. Conversely, siRNA-mediated knockdown of SOX2 reduced taste-related genes (Keratin 8, PLCB2, taste receptors) and lowered NTF3 and BDNF, neurotrophic factors involved in sensory-neural maintenance. SOX2 also directly regulated the promoter activity of NTF3, suggesting SOX2 supports taste bud maintenance through transcriptional regulation of NTF3.
Supporting source [1]
Association, not causation, in an abstract-only mouse study
The authors conclude that altered SOX2 expression is associated with changes in taste-associated proteins and neurotrophic factor expression in the aging Kl -/- tongue. This is an association, not proof that SOX2 changes cause taste loss. The work involves mice and cell experiments; it does not show effects on human taste or on lifespan. Only the abstract was available, so design details, sample sizes and full results were not reviewed.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. Findings come from klotho-deficient mice and cell experiments, so they do not establish human taste effects or lifespan benefits. Associations are not causes.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Duong MD, Kim SA, Ahn SG. · europepmc.org · September 24, 2026