title: FGF21 reloaded: challenges of a rapidly growing field.
abstract: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a pleiotropic hormone-like protein and a major metabolic regulator. However, several key aspects of FGF21 biology remain poorly understood. Indeed, the list of controversies in the FGF21 field spans a variety of topics, from basic matters such as the anatomic distribution of FGF21 expression and the molecular composition of the FGF21 receptor, to the ultimate question of therapeutic relevance of FGF21-dependent pathways in humans. In this paper, we focus on current challenges in the field in an attempt to provide a balanced overview of FGF21 biology and guide future research into this exciting metabolic target.
authors.affiliation: Eli Lilly and Company, Diabetes Research, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
authors.forename: Alexei
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kharitonenkov
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Larsen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D000090265:Klotho Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D009928:Organ Specificity; D017468:Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C418622:Klb protein, mouse; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D017468:Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor; C414620:fibroblast growth factor 21; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D000090265:Klotho Proteins