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FGF21: The center of a transcriptional nexus in metabolic regulation

A C Adams1, A Kharitonenkov

  • 1Diabetes Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.

Current Diabetes Reviews
|May 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key regulator of energy homeostasis. This review explores how transcription factors integrate to control FGF21 production, offering insights for treating metabolic diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic regulation
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) plays a crucial role in energy homeostasis.
  • FGF21 is implicated as a therapeutic target for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
  • Its expression is modulated by a complex network of transcriptional regulators in response to various stimuli.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding of transcription factor regulation of FGF21.
  • To explore the integration of pathways controlling FGF21 transcription, production, and secretion.
  • To relate FGF21 regulation to in vivo metabolic control.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent publications on FGF21 regulation.
  • Analysis of data on transcription factor involvement in FGF21 expression.
  • Exploration of the integration of metabolic control pathways.

Main Results:

  • FGF21 is regulated by numerous transcription factors involved in metabolic control.
  • The integration mechanisms governing FGF21 transcription, production, and secretion remain poorly understood.
  • FGF21 is detected in multiple metabolically active tissues.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding FGF21 regulation by transcription factors is critical for metabolic disease therapies.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the integrated mechanisms controlling FGF21.
  • FGF21 represents a promising target for novel therapeutic strategies.

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