Adapting to the Cold: A Role for Endogenous Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Thermoregulation?

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is in biomedical focus as a treatment option for metabolic diseases, given that administration improves metabolism in mice and humans. The metabolic effects of exogenous FGF21 administration are well-characterized, but the physiological role of endogenous FGF21 has not been fully understood yet. Despite cold-induced FGF21 expression and increased circulating levels in some studies, which co-occur with brown fat thermogenesis, recent studies in cold-acclimated mice demonstrate the dispensability of FGF21 for maintenance of body temperature, thereby questioning FGF21's role for thermogenesis. Here we discuss the evidence either supporting or opposing the role of endogenous FGF21 for thermogenesis based on the current literature. FGF21, secreted by brown fat or liver, is likely not required for energy homeostasis in the cold, but the nutritional conditions could modulate the interaction between FGF21, energy metabolism, and thermoregulation.