FGF21 regulates metabolism and circadian behavior by acting on the nervous system.
Nat Med
; 19(9): 1147-52, 2013 Sep.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23933984
ABSTRACT
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hepatokine that acts as a global starvation signal to modulate fuel partitioning and metabolism and repress growth; however, the site of action of these diverse effects remains unclear. FGF21 signals through a heteromeric cell-surface receptor composed of one of three FGF receptors (FGFR1c, FGFR2c or FGFR3c) in complex with ß-Klotho, a single-pass transmembrane protein that is enriched in metabolic tissues. Here we show that in addition to its known effects on peripheral metabolism, FGF21 increases systemic glucocorticoid levels, suppresses physical activity and alters circadian behavior, which are all features of the adaptive starvation response. These effects are mediated through ß-Klotho expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus and the dorsal vagal complex of the hindbrain. Mice lacking the gene encoding ß-Klotho (Klb) in these regions are refractory to these effects, as well as those on metabolism, insulin and growth. These findings demonstrate a crucial role for the nervous system in mediating the diverse physiologic and pharmacologic actions of FGF21.
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Circadian Rhythm
/
Energy Metabolism
/
Fibroblast Growth Factors
/
Membrane Proteins
/
Nervous System
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Nat Med
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
/
MEDICINA
Year:
2013
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States