FGF21 (human, recombinant)

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hepatokine and member of the endocrine subfamily of FGFs with roles in energy homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic regulation.^1,2 Mature FGF21 is a 181-amino acid peptide composed of an N-terminal FGFR binding site, a conserved 120-amino acid core, and a C-terminal sequence that facilitates binding to the klotho beta (KLB) co-receptors.² It is derived from a 209-amino acid protein that contains an additional 28-amino acid hydrophobic signaling peptide that drives constitutive secretion. FGF21 is primarily expressed in the liver but is also synthesized in white adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, pancreas, the digestive tract, and cardiac muscle.^1,2 It forms a complex with KLB and FGFR1c, -2c, -3c, or -4 to induce FGFR dimerization and signaling.¹ Liver levels of FGF21 are increased in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a methionine- and choline-deficient diet, and knockdown of Fgf21 increases hepatic triglyceride accumulation and fibrosis in mice. Exogenous administration of FGF21 induces weight loss, improves glucose tolerance, and increases the browning of white adipose tissue in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Administration of FGF21 also reduces ad libitum alcohol consumption in mice, and plasma levels of FGF21 are increased in humans following acute alcohol ingestion.³ Cayman's FGF21 (human, recombinant) protein can be used for Western blot and cell-based assay applications. This protein is mature FGF21 that consists of 188 amino acids and has a calculated molecular weight of 20.2 kDa. By SDS-PAGE, under reducing conditions, the protein migrates at approximately 23 kDa.

WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.

1. Fisher, F.M., and Maratos-Flier, E. Understanding the physiology of FGF21. Annu. Rev. Physiol. 78, 223-241 (2016).

2. Kilkenny, D.M., and Rocheleau, J.V. The FGF21 receptor signaling complex: Klothoβ, FGFR1c, and other regulatory interactions. Vitam. Horm. 101, 17-58 (2016).

3. Søberg, S., Andersen, E.S., Dalsgaard, N.B., et al. FGF21, a liver hormone that inhibits alcohol intake in mice, increases in human circulation after acute alcohol ingestion and sustained binge drinking at Oktoberfest. Mol. Metab. 11, 96-103 (2018).