FGF21
Description
The FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is a protein produced in mammals. It belongs to the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, specifically the endocrine subfamily, which also includes FGF23 and FGF15/19. FGF21 is the main activator of the FGF21 receptor, which is made up of the co-receptors FGF receptor 1 and β-Klotho. FGFs are involved in many biological processes like embryonic development, cell growth, shape formation, tissue repair, and tumor growth and spread. They work through a group of four FGF receptors. Binding to these receptors requires both interaction with the FGF molecule and binding to heparin through a specific domain. However, endocrine FGFs, like FGF21, lack this domain and can be released into the bloodstream. FGF21 is a hepatokine, a hormone produced by the liver, that regulates sugar intake and preferences for sweet foods by signaling through FGF21 receptors in the hypothalamus. It is also linked to lower dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. A specific variation in the FGF21 gene (rs838133) is associated with a preference for sweet foods, both in humans and mice. FGF21 is specifically stimulated by the activity of mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2).
FGF21 is also known as -.
