Download MendeleyDynamic folding modulation generates FGF21 variant against diabetes.
Zhu, L., Zhao, H., Liu, J., Cai, H., Wu, B., Liu, Z., Zhou, S., Liu, Q., Li, X., Bao, B., Liu, J., Dai, H., Wang, J.(2021) EMBO Rep 22: e51352-e51352
- PubMed: 33295692
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.202051352
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
6M6E, 6M6F - PubMed Abstract:
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. It has been widely considered as a promising candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and other related metabolic disorders. However, lack of structural and dynamic information has limited FGF21-based drug development. Here, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we determine the structure of FGF21 and find that its non-canonical flexible β-trefoil conformation affects the folding of β2-β3 hairpin and further overall protein stability. To modulate folding dynamics, we designed an FGF21-FGF19 chimera, FGF21 SS . As expected, FGF21 SS shows better thermostability without inducing hepatocyte proliferation. Functional characterization of FGF21 SS shows its better insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and lower blood glucose and insulin levels in ob/ob mice compared with wild type. Our dynamics-based rational design provides a promising approach for FGF21-based therapeutic development against T2DM.
Organizational Affiliation:
High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China.
