FGF21 Mimics a Fasting-Induced Metabolic State and Increases Appetite in Zebrafish.

ABSTRACT: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a member of the FGF superfamily that acts in an endocrine manner. FGF21 is a key regulator of energy balance and metabolism in mammals, and has emerged as a therapeutic potential for treating obesity and diabetes. Here, we report that mRNAs encoding FGF21 and its receptors are widely distributed within the zebrafish tissues and are importantly modulated by fasting (decreased in brain and liver, and increased in gut). FGF21 stimulates food intake in zebrafish, likely in part by modulating brain npy/agrp and nucb2/nesfatin-1 and gut ghrelin and cck mRNA expression. In accordance with this orexigenic role, the expression of FGF21 and its receptors were observed to increase preprandially and decrease post-feeding in the foregut and/or liver. Finally, we f

SUBMITTER: Blanco AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7181725 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature