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FGF21 and the second coming of PPARγ
1Department of Medicine and Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Cell
|February 7, 2012
Summary
Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) acts in adipocytes to mediate antidiabetic drug effects. This finding may impact the clinical use of FGF21 and PPARγ agonists.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic diseases
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) is a peptide hormone with insulin-mimetic properties.
- The role of FGF21 in mediating the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists, a class of antidiabetic drugs, is under investigation.
Discussion:
- Dutchak et al. propose that FGF21 acts in an autocrine manner within adipocytes.
- This autocrine FGF21 signaling is suggested to be essential for mediating the therapeutic effects of PPARγ agonists.
Key Insights:
- FGF21 plays a crucial role in adipocyte function beyond its known systemic effects.
- The study highlights a potential mechanism linking FGF21 and PPARγ agonist action in metabolic regulation.
Outlook:
- The findings may influence the future clinical development of FGF21-based therapies.
- This research could also prompt a re-evaluation of the clinical utility of PPARγ agonists in light of their interaction with FGF21.
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