Merck, EZHFGF21-19K, Human FGF-21 ELISA Kit

Recent studies have demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), a liver derived protein, is able to increase glucose uptake, as well as lower plasma triglyceride levels in an insulin-independent manner. FGF-21 suppresses glucagon release, thereby increasing insulin sensitivity, and reduces the amount of insulin production required by pancreatic β-cells. Unlike insulin, which works in a rapid, hormone-like manner, FGF-21 activity requires several hours, indicating changes in gene expression. While insulin functions through GLUT4 translocation, FGF-21 has been shown to act primarily through the upregulation of adipocyte GLUT1, a transporter that allows glucose to move from the blood into cells even in the absence of insulin. In addition, no significant weight gain was observed when FGF-21 was injected into animals, and mice that had been genetically engineered to overexpress FGF-21 weighed less and had less adipose tissue than the normal controls.