Overexpression of β-klotho in adipose tissue sensitizes male mice to endogenous FGF21 and provides protection from diet-induced obesity

Abstract

The endocrine hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is induced in the adaptive response to nutrient deprivation, where it serves to regulate the integrated response to fasting via its primary receptor complex, FGF receptor 1 coupled with the cofactor β-klotho (KLB) in target tissues. Curiously, endogenous FGF21 levels are also elevated in preclinical models of obesity and in obese/ diabetic individuals. In addition to higher FGF21 levels, reduced KLB expression in liver and adipose tissue has been noted in these same individuals, suggesting that obesity may represent an FGF21 resistant state. To explore the contribution of tissue-specific KLB levels to endogenous FGF21 activity, in both fasting and high-fat diet feeding conditions, we generated animals over expressing KLB in liver (LKLBOE) or adipose (ATKLBOE). Supportive of tissue-specific partitioning of FGF21 action, after chronic high-fat feeding, ATKLBOE mice gained significantly less weight than WT. Reduced weight gain was associated with elevated caloric expenditure, accompanied by a reduced respiratory exchange ratio and lower plasma free fatty acids levels, suggestive of augmented lipid metabolism. In contrast, LKLBOE had no effect on body weight but did reduce plasma cholesterol. The metabolic response to fasting was enhanced in LKLBOE mice, evidenced by increased ketone production, whereas no changes in this were noted in ATKLBOE mice. Taken together, these data provide further support that specific effects of FGF21 are mediated via engagement of distinct target organs. Furthermore, enhancing KLB expression in adipose may sensitize to endogenous FGF21, thus representing a novel strategy to combat metabolic disease.