Endocrine & hormone · target hub

FGF21

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21)

FGF21 is a Metabolic / incretin hormones on the endocrine & hormone axis. Stimulates glucose uptake in differentiated adipocytes via the induction of glucose transporter SLC2A1/GLUT1 expression (but not SLC2A4/GLUT4 expression). Activity requires the presence of KLB. Regulates systemic glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity It is indexed under "Adipokines & energy-sensing endocrine crosstalk" on our pathway page for antibodies, inhibitors, and assay guidance.

Back to pathway overviewSearch: FGF21UniProt (Q9NSA1)

Research notes

  • Combine with other genes in the same hub block via genetics or pharmacology to test non-redundant roles of FGF21.
  • For nuclear receptors pair ligands, co-regulators, and reporter assays; for membrane receptors note GPCR/RTK downstream and desensitization.
  • Verify antibody clone, phospho-site, and stimulation; include KD/KO or inhibitor controls.

On the pathway hub (sections)

Genetic lesions & expression context (quick reference)

Type / exampleDomain / context (brief)
Expression contextTissue/cell-type–dependent expression
Rare variantsSporadic variants—require functional validation
Pathway couplingCo-occurs with neighboring nodes on the hub

Naming and prevalence vary by cohort and assay—annotate clinically with COSMIC, ClinVar, OncoKB, and datasheets; research context only.

Assay readouts for FGF21

  • Islet/liver: FGF21 with insulin secretion, gluconeogenesis, or lipid readouts.
  • Incretins: GLP-1/GIP stimulation and receptor agonists.
  • p-AKT / p-ERK: combined nutrient and hormone stimulation.
  • Metabolic disease models: tissue insulin sensitivity.

FGF21 experimental notes

Examples below reflect common literature and public resources (e.g., CCLE, DepMap)—validate genotypes, expression, and passage in your own stocks before committing assays.

[1] Cell lines commonly used for FGF21 studies (examples)

  • Tool lines: MIN6, INS-1, HepG2, 3T3-L1, HEK293T—screen by FGF21 expression and pathway context (CCLE/DepMap).
  • Combine with neighbors (LEP, LEPR, ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1) via KD/pharmacology to test non-redundancy.
  • Overexpression/rescue in HEK293T supports mechanism and IP workflows.
  • Isogenic/CRISPR models separate pathway dependency from bypass survival.

[2] Cell samples for FGF21 Western blot

  • Whole-cell lysates—optimize RIPA/NP-40 per antibody; phosphatase inhibitors for phospho blots.
  • Stimulation: serum starvation ± insulin/EGF or amino-acid withdrawal/refeed as relevant.
  • Controls: siRNA/shRNA, CRISPR KO, or inhibitors to validate band specificity.
  • Loading: BCA normalization; subcellular fractionation when needed.

[3] Tissue samples for FGF21 Western blot

  • Matched tumor/adjacent frozen tissues after pathology review.
  • Mouse GEMM or xenografts—mind species antibody cross-reactivity.
  • Primary cells/PDCs when ethically approved.
  • FFPE needs specialized extraction; frozen tissue preferred for phospho work.

[4] Cell samples for FGF21 immunoprecipitation

  • Tagged overexpression: HEK293T FLAG/HA-FGF21 for complex capture.
  • Endogenous IP: high-expression lines; often ≥1–5×10⁶ cells per IP.
  • Stimulation: ligand or nutrient treatments enrich interactions—pilot time courses.
  • Controls: isotype IgG, empty vector, KD/KO negatives.

Human tissues and primary cells require ethics/IRB approval; tumors are heterogeneous—record histotype, site, and preservation conditions.

Bypass & related pathways

Models & genetics note

Overexpression vs endogenous FGF21 can differ in dosage, splicing, and compartmentation—in organoids/PDX, record passage, matrix, and drug history.

Quick search presets

FGF21FGF21 antibodyFGF21 ligand/agonisthormone/receptor antibody

FGF21-related antibodies (keyword-biased)

Adds FGF21 keyword bias atop the 内分泌和激素 antibody pool—if sparse, use presets above or global search.

Neighboring targets (same hub)

LEPLEPRADIPOQADIPOR1ADIPOR2RETNRBP4NAMPT

External databases & resources

FAQ

This content supports research reagents and pathway education—not medical advice. Annotate mutations, drug indications, and protocols with authoritative databases, datasheets, and institutional oversight.

Last reviewed: 2026-05-18

Related on this site

See the endocrine & hormone hub for neighboring targets—cross-check PI3K, MAPK, RTK, and metabolism pages as needed.

Endocrine & hormone·PI3K/Akt/mTOR·MAPK/ERK·Receptor tyrosine kinase·Metabolism