FGF21 contributes to neuroendocrine control of female reproduction

Bryn M. Owen, Angie L. Bookout, Xunshan Ding, Vicky Y. Lin, Stan D. Atkin, Laurent Gautron, Steven A. Kliewer, David J. Mangelsdorf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

171 Scopus citations

Abstract

Preventing reproduction during nutritional deprivation is an adaptive process that is conserved and essential for the survival of species. In mammals, the mechanisms that inhibit fertility during starvation are complex and incompletely understood. Here we show that exposure of female mice to fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a fasting-induced hepatokine, mimics infertility secondary to starvation. Mechanistically, FGF21 acts on the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus to suppress the vasopressin-kisspeptin signaling cascade, thereby inhibiting the proestrus surge in luteinizing hormone. Mice lacking the FGF21 co-receptor, β-Klotho, in the SCN are refractory to the inhibitory effect of FGF21 on female fertility. Thus, FGF21 defines an important liver-neuroendocrine axis that modulates female reproduction in response to nutritional challenge.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1153-1156
Number of pages4
JournalNature medicine
Volume19
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'FGF21 contributes to neuroendocrine control of female reproduction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this