A Dozen Years of Discovery: Insights into the Physiology and Pharmacology of FGF21

Cell Metab. 2019 Feb 5;29(2):246-253. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2019.01.004.

Abstract

It has been more than a dozen years since FGF21 burst on the metabolism field in a paper showing that its pharmacologic administration caused weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity and lipoprotein profiles in obese rodents. Since then, FGF21 analogs have advanced all the way to clinical trials, and much progress has been made in understanding FGF21's pharmacology and physiology. In this Perspective, we highlight some of the interesting themes that have emerged from this first dozen years of FGF21 research, including its roles in autocrine/paracrine and endocrine responses to metabolic stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors* / pharmacology
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Mice
  • Obesity* / drug therapy
  • Obesity* / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Weight Loss / drug effects*

Substances

  • fibroblast growth factor 21
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors