Roles of FGFs as Adipokines in Adipose Tissue Development, Remodeling, and Metabolism

Hiroya Ohta,Nobuyuki Itoh

doi:10.3389/fendo.2014.00018

Abstract

White and brown adipose tissues (BATs), which store and burn lipids, respectively, play critical roles in energy homeostasis. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are signaling proteins with diverse functions in development, metabolism, and neural function. Among 22 FGFs, FGF1, FGF10, and FGF21 play roles as adipokines, adipocyte-secreted proteins, in the development and function of white and BATs. FGF1 is a critical transducer in white adipose tissue (WAT) remodeling. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ–FGF1 axis is critical for energy homeostasis. FGF10 is essential for embryonic white adipocyte development. FGF21 activates BAT in response to cold exposure. FGF21 also stimulates the accumulation of brown-like cells in WAT during cold exposure and is an upstream effector of adiponectin, which controls systemic energy metabolism. These findings provide new insights into the roles of FGF signaling in white and BATs and potential therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders.

Highlights

White adipose tissue (WAT), a lipid storage site, plays a critical role in energy homeostasis
WAT is a dynamic tissue that actively communicates by sending adipocyte-secreted proteins, adipokines, which act in an autocrine/paracrine or endocrine manner
WAT remodeling in nutrient availability is essential to maintain metabolic homeostasis [10]. These findings indicate that FGF1 is a critical transducer in WAT remodeling and that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ)–FGF1 axis is critical for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and insulin sensitization

Summary

Hiroya Ohta and Nobuyuki Itoh*

White and brown adipose tissues (BATs), which store and burn lipids, respectively, play critical roles in energy homeostasis. Among 22 FGFs, FGF1, FGF10, and FGF21 play roles as adipokines, adipocyte-secreted proteins, in the development and function of white and BATs. FGF1 is a critical transducer in white adipose tissue (WAT) remodeling. FGF21 activates BAT in response to cold exposure. FGF21 stimulates the accumulation of brown-like cells in WAT during cold exposure and is an upstream effector of adiponectin, which controls systemic energy metabolism. These findings provide new insights into the roles of FGF signaling in white and BATs and potential therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders

INTRODUCTION

Roles of FGFs as adipokines

CONCLUSION