Endocrinization of FGF1 produces a neomorphic and potent insulin sensitizer

Nature. 2014 Sep 18;513(7518):436-9. doi: 10.1038/nature13540. Epub 2014 Jul 16.

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) is an autocrine/paracrine regulator whose binding to heparan sulphate proteoglycans effectively precludes its circulation. Although FGF1 is known as a mitogenic factor, FGF1 knockout mice develop insulin resistance when stressed by a high-fat diet, suggesting a potential role in nutrient homeostasis. Here we show that parenteral delivery of a single dose of recombinant FGF1 (rFGF1) results in potent, insulin-dependent lowering of glucose levels in diabetic mice that is dose-dependent but does not lead to hypoglycaemia. Chronic pharmacological treatment with rFGF1 increases insulin-dependent glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and suppresses the hepatic production of glucose to achieve whole-body insulin sensitization. The sustained glucose lowering and insulin sensitization attributed to rFGF1 are not accompanied by the side effects of weight gain, liver steatosis and bone loss associated with current insulin-sensitizing therapies. We also show that the glucose-lowering activity of FGF1 can be dissociated from its mitogenic activity and is mediated predominantly via FGF receptor 1 signalling. Thus we have uncovered an unexpected, neomorphic insulin-sensitizing action for exogenous non-mitogenic human FGF1 with therapeutic potential for the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism
  • Diet, High-Fat
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 / administration & dosage
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 / adverse effects
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 / pharmacology*
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Glucose Tolerance Test
  • Humans
  • Insulin / metabolism*
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Obese
  • Mitogens / pharmacology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Mitogens
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 1
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1
  • Glucose