Abstract

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) 15/19 and 21 belong to the FGF endocrine subfamily. They present the intriguing characteristic to be transcribed and secreted in certain tissues and to act as hormones. The insulin-mimetic properties of FGF21 and the regulatory role of FGF15/19 in bile acid and glucose homeostasis endorse these hormones as druggable targets in metabolic disorders. Here, we present details on discoveries, identification, transcriptional regulation, and mechanism of actions of FGF15/19 and FGF21 with a critical perspective view on their putative role as metabolic integrators in the liver. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;56:2404- 2411)