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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
08:42
Using Multi-fluorinated Bile Acids and In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Measure Bile Acid Transport
Published on: November 27, 2016
Homing in on bile acid physiology
1Department of Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Cell Metabolism
|December 5, 2006
Summary
Fibroblast growth factor 15 (Fgf15) is a hormone that regulates bile acid production. New research shows Fgf15 is also essential for proper gallbladder function and filling.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factor 15 (Fgf15) is an endocrine hormone produced in the terminal ileum.
- Fgf15 plays a crucial role in regulating hepatic bile acid biosynthesis in response to bile acid levels.
- The precise physiological functions of Fgf15 beyond bile acid regulation are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Fibroblast growth factor 15 (Fgf15) in gallbladder physiology.
- To determine if Fgf15 influences gallbladder filling and function.
- To explore the relationship between Fgf15 and bile acid homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mouse models with targeted Fgf15 gene manipulation.
- Employed techniques to assess gallbladder volume and filling capacity.
- Analyzed bile acid profiles and hepatic gene expression related to bile acid synthesis.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that Fgf15 is indispensable for normal gallbladder filling.
- Observed impaired gallbladder filling in the absence of functional Fgf15.
- Confirmed the known role of Fgf15 in repressing hepatic bile acid biosynthesis.
Conclusions:
- Fibroblast growth factor 15 (Fgf15) has a critical, previously unrecognized function in regulating gallbladder filling.
- Fgf15 acts as a key mediator linking intestinal bile acid sensing to gallbladder physiology.
- These findings expand our understanding of Fgf15's endocrine roles and have implications for biliary system disorders.
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