FGF21 reduces ER stress by enhancing the unfolded protein and integrated stress responses through increased sulfide signaling.

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine hormone with broad metabolic actions at supraphysiological concentrations but unclear physiological function, related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. ER stress activates the unfolded protein response (UPR), a cellular repair mechanism that maintains cellular homeostasis during protein folding stress. Using proximity labeling, we assessed the intracellular action of FGF21 at its receptor β-klotho (KLB) and discovered associations with protein folding in the ER, ER stress, and H₂S production. We found that FGF21 increases enzymatic sulfide production and enhances, but does not initiate, the UPR. This FGF21 action is blunted by genetic or pharmacological inhibition of sulfide signaling and is phenocopied by an H₂S donor in vivo. FGF21 modulating the UPR requires KLB, and even physiological levels of FGF21 modulate the UPR via increased hepatic H₂S production. Collectively, we reveal a novel physiological role of FGF21 as an endocrine stress hormone that enhances the UPR via increased sulfide signaling.