This proposal for a program project grant (PPG) seeks to understand the mechanism of action of the novel pro- longevity hormone FGF21 by assembling a diverse and complementary group of investigators at Yale University and UT Southwestern. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a member of the endocrine FGF subfamily that acts through a cell surface receptor composed of FGF receptors in complex with the obligate co- receptor ?Klotho. FGF21 is a unique metabolic hormone as it is secreted in blood from liver in response to starvation and nutrient deprivation to stimulate fatty acid oxidation and to maintain energy balance. Recent studies from our PPG team have demonstrated that overexpression of FGF21 in mice extends lifespan, improves insulin-sensitivity and may promote immune function. Based on these data, the central hypothesis of this program project is that FGF21 is a key driver of CNS-adipose tissue-immune system interactions that coordinately promote a prolongevity molecular program. Overall objective of this project is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying FGF21's anti-aging effects and to leverage these insights towards inhibiting aging-related chronic diseases. Given the diverse backgrounds and skills of the research team, we can use state-of-the-art mouse models and methodology to assess the effects of FGF21 on multiple organ systems at different levels ranging from the molecular to the behavioral. We propose four projects to pursue the aims of this PPG: Project 1 under the leadership of Drs. Steven Kliewer and David Mangelsdorf will investigate the impact of FGF21 on growth hormone action, healthspan and lifespan. Project 2 under the leadership of Dr. Vishwa Deep Dixit will study the impact of FGF21-mediated immune-metabolic interactions on immune- senescence. The project 3 will be headed by Dr. Philipp Scherer to investigate the Impact of FGF21- adiponectin-ceramide axis on aging and Project 4 under the leadership of Dr. Tamas Horvath will study the impact of FGF21 on CNS and hypothalamic control of aging. The Core A will facilitate communications between projects and provide support for data analyses and Core B will provide centralized facility for analysis of aging and healthspan in mice. The PPG team will explore the novel hypothesis that FGF21 acts through multiple tissues to increase healthspan and lifespan.

Public Health Relevance

Aging is the biggest risk factor for multiple chronic diseases. FGF21 is a hormone that has recently been shown to extend the lifespan and reduce metabolic disease like type-2 diabetes. The proposed studies in this program project will study the mechanism of action of FGF21 that cause lifespan extension and test the prediction that increasing FGF21 levels in in mice will reduce age-related disease burden.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Research Program Projects (P01)
Project #
5P01AG051459-05
Application #
9938368
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAG1)
Program Officer
Fuldner, Rebecca A
Project Start
2016-09-15
Project End
2021-04-30
Budget Start
2020-07-01
Budget End
2021-04-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Yale University
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
043207562
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06520
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Kruglikov, Ilja L; Zhang, Zhuzhen; Scherer, Philipp E (2018) The Role of Immature and Mature Adipocytes in Hair Cycling. Trends Endocrinol Metab :
Stoiljkovic, Milan; Kelley, Craig; Horvath, Tamas L et al. (2018) Neurophysiological signals as predictive translational biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease treatment: effects of donepezil on neuronal network oscillations in TgF344-AD rats. Alzheimers Res Ther 10:105
Xia, Jonathan Y; Sun, Kai; Hepler, Chelsea et al. (2018) Acute loss of adipose tissue-derived adiponectin triggers immediate metabolic deterioration in mice. Diabetologia 61:932-941
Kusminski, Christine M; Scherer, Philipp E (2018) New zoning laws enforced by glucagon. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 115:4308-4310
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Ravussin, Anthony; Youm, Yun-Hee; Sander, Jil et al. (2018) Loss of Nucleobindin-2 Causes Insulin Resistance in Obesity without Impacting Satiety or Adiposity. Cell Rep 24:1085-1092.e6
Crewe, Clair; Joffin, Nolwenn; Rutkowski, Joseph M et al. (2018) An Endothelial-to-Adipocyte Extracellular Vesicle Axis Governed by Metabolic State. Cell 175:695-708.e13
Song, Parkyong; Zechner, Christoph; Hernandez, Genaro et al. (2018) The Hormone FGF21 Stimulates Water Drinking in Response to Ketogenic Diet and Alcohol. Cell Metab 27:1338-1347.e4

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