GenAge entry for FGF21 (Homo sapiens)

Entry selected based on evidence directly linking the gene product to ageing in a mammalian model organism

Gene name (HAGRID: 293)

HGNC symbol: FGF21
Aliases
Common name: fibroblast growth factor 21

Potential relevance to the human ageing process

Main reason for selection: Entry selected based on evidence directly linking the gene product to ageing in a mammalian model organism
Description: FGF21 is a pro-longevity hormone released by the liver that regulates glucose uptake in adipocytes. Transgenic overexpression of Fgf21 in hepatocytes increases average and maximum lifespan by 36% and 16%, respectively [3252]. Studies suggest that methionine restriction can reverse the negative effects of ageing on body mass, adiposity, and insulin resistance through an FGF21 mechanism [3602]. Given these results and its role in metabolism, FGF21 may play a role in metabolic aspects of ageing. Additionally, FGF21 expression in the thymus declines with age. FGF21 overexpression in mice protects against thymic involution, increases perithymic brown adipose tissue and elevates thymic T-cell export. Loss of FGF21 in middle aged mice accelerates thymic ageing. Thus, FGF21 may integrate the metabolic and immune systems [4359]. In humans, FGF21 resistance has been associated with Type 2 diabetes and it has been shown that FGF21 treatment can alleviate several age-related disorders. Overall, FGF21 resistance might jeopardise human healthspan and accelerate the ageing process [4510].

Cytogenetic information

Cytogenetic band: 19q13.33
Location: 48,756,087 bp to 48,758,325 bp
Orientation: Plus strand

Display region using the UCSC Genome Browser (GRCh38/hg38)

Protein information

Gene Ontology

Process:

GO:0007165; signal transduction
GO:0007267; cell-cell signaling
GO:0008284; positive regulation of cell proliferation
GO:0010898; positive regulation of triglyceride catabolic process
GO:0010988; regulation of low-density lipoprotein particle clearance
GO:0014823; response to activity
GO:0030968; endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response
GO:0031667; response to nutrient levels
GO:0035690; cellular response to drug
GO:0045716; positive regulation of low-density lipoprotein particle receptor biosynthetic process
GO:0046326; positive regulation of glucose import

And 10 more GO terms

Cellular component:

GO:0005576; extracellular region
GO:0005615; extracellular space
GO:0005623; cell

Function:

GO:0005104; fibroblast growth factor receptor binding
GO:0005515; protein binding
GO:0008083; growth factor activity

Show all GO terms

Protein interactions and network

No interactions in records.

Retrieve sequences for FGF21

ORF: ORF
CDS: CDS

Homologs in model organisms

Mus musculus: Fgf21
Rattus norvegicus: Fgf21

In other databases

GenAge model organism genes

A homolog of this gene for Mus musculus is present as Fgf21

CellAge

This gene is present as FGF21