High dietary inorganic phosphate enhances cap-dependent protein translation, cell-cycle progression, and angiogenesis in the livers of young mice

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) plays a key role in diverse physiological functions. Recent studies have indicated that Pi affects Akt signaling through the sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter. Akt signaling, in turn, plays an important role in liver development; however, the effects of high dietary Pi on the liver have not been investigated. Here, we examined the effects of high dietary phosphate on the liver in developing mice. We found that high dietary Pi increased liver mass through enhancing Akt-related cap-dependent protein translation, cell cycle progression, and angiogenesis. Thus careful regulation of Pi consumption may be important in maintaining normal development of the liver.