FGF21 Takes a Fat Bite.
© 2012 B. STRAUCH/SCIENCE
Perspective - Cell Biology
The quest for secreted peptides with metabolic actions has identified several autocrine, paracrine, and exocrine growth factors—including neuregulins, platelet-derived growth factor, and members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family—that stimulate glucose uptake and regulate mitochondrial function in key metabolic tissues. Among them, FGF21 has become particularly interesting because its endocrine actions endow it with potential therapeutic uses.