FGF21 Revolutions: Recent Advances Illuminating FGF21 Biology and Medicinal Properties.
The biology of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has evolved through its first decade at a revolutionary pace with dramatic refinements in this relatively short span of time. This field is poised now with a deeper understanding of its specific physiological role, pathological ramifications for its inappropriate function, and a much-enriched context of the complex hormonal network in which it serves to regulate metabolism. As a derivative of these discoveries, the application of FGF21 as a medicinal agent has emerged with structurally optimized protein-based analogs being preclinically explored in multiple species, and, more recently, through clinical studies. These novel findings set a foundation for ongoing inquiries that structure future research into this intriguing protein.
Chemistry Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA. Electronic address: alexkhar@indiana.edu.
Alexei
A
Kharitonenkov
Chemistry Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
Richard
R
DiMarchi
D000818:Animals; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
C414620:fibroblast growth factor 21; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors
FGF21; FGFR; KLB; drug development; hormones; metabolic regulation