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  • Metabolic Messengers
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Metabolic Messengers: FGF21

Nature Metabolism volume 3, pages 309–317 (2021)Cite this article

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Abstract

As a non-canonical fibroblast growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) functions as an endocrine hormone that signals to distinct targets throughout the body. Interest in therapeutic applications for FGF21 was initially sparked by its ability to correct metabolic dysfunction and decrease body weight associated with diabetes and obesity. More recently, new functions for FGF21 signalling have emerged, thus indicating that FGF21 is a dynamic molecule capable of regulating macronutrient preference and energy balance. Here, we highlight the major physiological and pharmacological effects of FGF21 related to nutrient and energy homeostasis and summarize current knowledge regarding FGF21’s pharmacodynamic properties. In addition, we provide new perspectives and highlight critical unanswered questions surrounding this unique metabolic messenger.

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Fig. 1: Discovery of FGF21 as a metabolic messenger.
Fig. 2: Target tissues and metabolic activities of FGF21.
Fig. 3: FGF21 modulates signals, thus regulating energy and nutrient homeostasis.

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Acknowledgements

The authors were supported by US National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants R01DK106104 (M.J.P.), R01AA027654 (M.J.P.), T32 DK112751 (K.H.F.) and T32 HL007121 (K.H.F.), and the Veterans Affairs Merit Review Program I01BX004634 (M.J.P.).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Kyle H. Flippo & Matthew J. Potthoff

  2. Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Kyle H. Flippo & Matthew J. Potthoff

  3. Iowa Neurosciences Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Kyle H. Flippo & Matthew J. Potthoff

  4. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Matthew J. Potthoff

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Peer review information Nature Metabolism thanks Aimin Xu and the other, anonymous, reviewer(s) for their contribution to the peer review of this work. Primary Handling Editor: Christoph Schmitt.

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Flippo, K.H., Potthoff, M.J. Metabolic Messengers: FGF21. Nat Metab 3, 309–317 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-021-00354-2

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