Imperial College London

DrBrynOwen

Faculty of MedicineDepartment of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction

Senior Lecturer
 
 
 
//

Contact

 

bryn.owen05

 
 
//

Location

 

Commonwealth BuildingHammersmith Campus

//

Summary

 

Publications

Publication Type
Year
to

31 results found

McGlone ER, Siebert M, Dore M, Hope DCD, Davies I, Owen B, Khoo B, Goldin R, Carling D, Bloom S, Le Gall M, Tan TM-Met al., 2023, Sleeve gastrectomy causes weight-loss independent improvements in hepatic steatosis, Liver International, Vol: 43, Pages: 1890-1900, ISSN: 1478-3223

Background and AimsSleeve gastrectomy (VSG) leads to improvement in hepatic steatosis, associated with weight loss. The aims of this study were to investigate whether VSG leads to weight-loss independent improvements in liver steatosis in mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO); and to metabolically and transcriptomically profile hepatic changes in mice undergoing VSG.MethodsMice with DIO were treated with VSG, sham surgery with subsequent food restriction to weight-match to the VSG group (Sham-WM), or sham surgery with return to unrestricted diet (Sham-Ad lib). Hepatic steatosis, glucose tolerance, insulin and glucagon resistance, and hepatic transcriptomics were investigated at the end of the study period and treatment groups were compared with mice undergoing sham surgery only (Sham-Ad lib).ResultsVSG led to much greater improvement in liver steatosis than Sham-WM (liver triglyceride mg/mg 2.5 ± 0.1, 2.1 ± 0.2, 1.6 ± 0.1 for Sham-AL, Sham-WM and VSG respectively; p = 0.003). Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance was improved following VSG only (51.2 ± 8.8, 36.3 ± 5.3, 22.3 ± 6.1 for Sham-AL, Sham-WM and VSG respectively; p = 0.03). The glucagon-alanine index, a measure of glucagon resistance, fell with VSG but was significantly increased in Sham-WM (9.8 ± 1.7, 25.8 ± 4.6 and 5.2 ± 1.2 in Sham Ad-lib, Sham-WM and VSG respectively; p = 0.0003). Genes downstream of glucagon receptor signalling which govern fatty acid synthesis (Acaca, Acacb, Me1, Acly, Fasn and Elovl6) were downregulated following VSG but upregulated in Sham-WM.ConclusionsChanges in glucagon sensitivity may contribute to weight-loss independent improvements in hepatic steatosis following VSG.

Journal article

Ramos-Pittol J, Fernandes-Freitas I, Milona A, Manchishi SM, Rainbow K, Lam BYH, Tadross JA, Beucher A, Colledge WH, Cebola I, Murphy KG, Miguel-Aiaga I, Yeo GSH, Owen B, Dhillo Wet al., 2023, Dax1 modulates ERα-dependent hypothalamic estrogen sensing in female mice, Nature Communications, Vol: 14, Pages: 1-10, ISSN: 2041-1723

Coupling the release of pituitary hormones to the developmental stage of the oocyte is essential for female fertility. It requires estrogen to restrain kisspeptin (KISS1)-neuron pulsatility in the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus, while also exerting a surge-like effect on KISS1-neuron activity in the AVPV hypothalamic nucleus. However, a mechanistic basis for this region-specific effect has remained elusive. Our genomic analysis in female mice demonstrate that some processes, such as restraint of KISS1-neuron activity in the arcuate nucleus, may be explained by region-specific estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) DNA binding at gene regulatory regions. Furthermore, we find that the Kiss1-locus is uniquely regulated in these hypothalamic nuclei, and that the nuclear receptor co-repressor NR0B1 (DAX1) restrains its transcription specifically in the arcuate nucleus. These studies provide mechanistic insight into how ER may control the KISS1-neuron, and Kiss1 gene expression, to couple gonadotropin release to the developmental stage of the oocyte.

Journal article

Hope D, Hinds C, Lopes T, Vincent M, Shrewsbury J, Yu A, Davies I, Scott R, Jones B, Murphy K, Minnion J, Sardini A, Carling D, Lutz T, Bloom S, Tan T, Owen Bet al., 2022, Hypoaminoacidemia underpins glucagon-mediated energy expenditure and weight loss, Cell Reports Medicine, Vol: 3, ISSN: 2666-3791

Glucagon analogues show promise as components of next-generation, multi-target, anti-obesity therapeutics. The biology of chronic glucagon treatment, in particular its ability to induce energy expenditure and weight loss, remains poorly understood. Using a long-acting glucagon analogue, G108, we demonstrate that glucagon-mediated body weight loss is intrinsically linked to the hypoaminoacidemia associated with its known amino acid catabolic action. Mechanistic studies reveal an energy-consuming response to low plasma amino acids in G108-treated mice, prevented by dietary amino acid supplementation and mimicked by a rationally designed low amino acid diet. Therefore, low plasma amino acids are a prerequisite for G108-mediated energy expenditure and weight loss. However, preventing hypoaminoacidemia with additional dietary protein does not affect the ability of G108 to improve glycemia or hepatic steatosis in obese mice. These studies provide a mechanism for glucagon-mediated weight loss and confirm the hepatic glucagon receptor as an attractive molecular target for metabolic disease therapeutics.

Journal article

Suba K, Hansen B, Patel Y, Owen BM, Distaso W, Salem Vet al., 2022, Beta cell functional heterogeneity underpinning coordinated oscillatory activity is not fixed, Publisher: SPRINGER, Pages: S121-S121, ISSN: 0012-186X

Conference paper

Hinds CE, Owen BM, Hope DCD, Pickford P, Jones B, Tan TM, Minnion JS, Bloom SRet al., 2021, A glucagon analogue decreases body weight in mice via signalling in the liver., Scientific Reports, Vol: 11, Pages: 1-17, ISSN: 2045-2322

Glucagon receptor agonists show promise as components of next generation metabolic syndrome pharmacotherapies. However, the biology of glucagon action is complex, controversial, and likely context dependent. As such, a better understanding of chronic glucagon receptor (GCGR) agonism is essential to identify and mitigate potential clinical side-effects. Herein we present a novel, long-acting glucagon analogue (GCG104) with high receptor-specificity and potent in vivo action. It has allowed us to make two important observations about the biology of sustained GCGR agonism. First, it causes weight loss in mice by direct receptor signalling at the level of the liver. Second, subtle changes in GCG104-sensitivity, possibly due to interindividual variation, may be sufficient to alter its effects on metabolic parameters. Together, these findings confirm the liver as a principal target for glucagon-mediated weight loss and provide new insights into the biology of glucagon analogues.

Journal article

Pickford P, Lucey M, Rujan R-M, McGlone ER, Bitsi S, Ashford FB, Corrêa IR, Hodson DJ, Tomas A, Deganutti G, Reynolds CA, Owen BM, Tan TM, Minnion J, Jones B, Bloom SRet al., 2021, Partial agonism improves the anti-hyperglycaemic efficacy of an oxyntomodulin-derived GLP-1R/GCGR co-agonist, Molecular Metabolism, Vol: 51, ISSN: 2212-8778

OBJECTIVE: Glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptor (GLP-1R/GCGR) co-agonism can maximise weight loss and improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes and obesity. In this study we investigated the cellular and metabolic effects of modulating the balance between G protein and β-arrestin-2 recruitment at GLP-1R and GCGR using oxyntomodulin (OXM)-derived co-agonists. This strategy has been previously shown to improve the duration of action of GLP-1R mono-agonists by reducing target desensitisation and downregulation. METHODS: Dipeptidyl dipeptidase-4 (DPP-4)-resistant OXM analogues were generated and assessed for a variety of cellular readouts. Molecular dynamic simulations were used to gain insights into the molecular interactions involved. In vivo studies were performed in mice to identify effects on glucose homeostasis and weight loss. RESULTS: Ligand-specific reductions in β-arrestin-2 recruitment were associated with slower GLP-1R internalisation and prolonged glucose-lowering action in vivo. The putative benefits of GCGR agonism were retained, with equivalent weight loss compared to the GLP-1R mono-agonist liraglutide in spite of a lesser degree of food intake suppression. The compounds tested showed only a minor degree of biased agonism between G protein and β-arrestin-2 recruitment at both receptors and were best classified as partial agonists for the two pathways measured. CONCLUSIONS: Diminishing β-arrestin-2 recruitment may be an effective way to increase the therapeutic efficacy of GLP-1R/GCGR co-agonists. These benefits can be achieved by partial rather than biased agonism.

Journal article

Comninos A, Yang L, OCallaghan J, Mills E, Wall M, Demetriou L, Wing V, Thurston L, Owen B, Abbara A, Rabiner E, Dhillo Wet al., 2021, Kisspeptin modulates gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in the human brain, Psychoneuroendocrinology, Vol: 129, Pages: 1-5, ISSN: 0306-4530

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a key inhibitory neurotransmitter that has been implicated in the aetiology of common mood and behavioural disorders. By employing proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in man, we demonstrate that administration of the reproductive neuropeptide, kisspeptin, robustly decreases GABA levels in the limbic system of the human brain; specifically the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). This finding defines a novel kisspeptin-activated GABA pathway in man, and provides important mechanistic insights into the mood and behaviour-altering effects of kisspeptin seen in rodents and humans. In addition, this work has therapeutic implications as it identifies GABA-signalling as a potential target for the escalating development of kisspeptin-based therapies for common reproductive disorders of body and mind.

Journal article

Yang L, Demetriou L, Wall MB, Mills EG, Wing VC, Thurston L, Schaufelberger CN, Owen BM, Abbara A, Rabiner EA, Comninos AN, Dhillo WSet al., 2021, The Effects of Kisspeptin on Brain Response to Food Images and Psychometric Parameters of Appetite in Healthy Men, JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM, Vol: 106, Pages: E1837-E1848, ISSN: 0021-972X

Journal article

Mousavy Gharavy SN, Owen BM, Millership SJ, Chabosseau P, Pizza G, Martinez-Sanchez A, Tasoez E, Georgiadou E, Hu M, Fine NHF, Jacobson DA, Dickerson MT, Idevall-Hagren O, Montoya A, Kramer H, Mehta Z, Withers DJ, Ninov N, Gadue PJ, Cardenas-Diaz FL, Cruciani-Guglielmacci C, Magnan C, Ibberson M, Leclerc I, Voz M, Rutter GAet al., 2021, Sexually dimorphic roles for the type 2 diabetes-associated C2cd4b gene in murine glucose homeostasis, Diabetologia, Vol: 64, Pages: 850-864, ISSN: 0012-186X

Aims/hypothesisVariants close to the VPS13C/C2CD4A/C2CD4B locus are associated with altered risk of type 2 diabetes in genome-wide association studies. While previous functional work has suggested roles for VPS13C and C2CD4A in disease development, none has explored the role of C2CD4B.MethodsCRISPR/Cas9-induced global C2cd4b-knockout mice and zebrafish larvae with c2cd4a deletion were used to study the role of this gene in glucose homeostasis. C2 calcium dependent domain containing protein (C2CD)4A and C2CD4B constructs tagged with FLAG or green fluorescent protein were generated to investigate subcellular dynamics using confocal or near-field microscopy and to identify interacting partners by mass spectrometry.ResultsSystemic inactivation of C2cd4b in mice led to marked, but highly sexually dimorphic changes in body weight and glucose homeostasis. Female C2cd4b mice displayed unchanged body weight compared with control littermates, but abnormal glucose tolerance (AUC, p = 0.01) and defective in vivo, but not in vitro, insulin secretion (p = 0.02). This was associated with a marked decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone levels as compared with wild-type (WT) littermates (p = 0.003). In sharp contrast, male C2cd4b null mice displayed essentially normal glucose tolerance but an increase in body weight (p < 0.001) and fasting blood glucose (p = 0.003) after maintenance on a high-fat and -sucrose diet vs WT littermates. No metabolic disturbances were observed after global inactivation of C2cd4a in mice, or in pancreatic beta cell function at larval stages in C2cd4a null zebrafish. Fasting blood glucose levels were also unaltered in adult C2cd4a-null fish. C2CD4B and C2CD4A were partially localised to the plasma membrane, with the latter under the control of intracellular Ca2+. Binding partners for both included secretory-granule-localised PTPRN2/phogrin.Conclusions/interpretationOur studies sugge

Journal article

Abbara A, Eng P, Phylactou M, Clarke S, Richardson R, sykes C, Phumsatitpong C, Mills E, Modi M, Izzi-Engbeaya C, Papadopoulou D, Purugganan K, Jayasena C, Webber L, salim R, Owen B, Bech P, Comninos A, McArdle C, violitis M, Tsaneva-Atanasova K, Moenter S, Hanyaloglu A, Dhillo Wet al., 2020, Kisspeptin receptor agonist has therapeutic potential for female reproductive disorders., Journal of Clinical Investigation, Vol: 130, Pages: 6739-6753, ISSN: 0021-9738

BACKGROUND. Kisspeptin is a key regulator of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and is essential for reproductive health. A specific kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) agonist could significantly expand the potential clinical utility of therapeutics targeting the kisspeptin pathway. Herein, we investigate the effects of a KISS1R agonist, MVT-602, in healthy women and in women with reproductive disorders.METHODS. We conducted in vivo and in vitro studies to characterize the action of MVT-602 in comparison with native kisspeptin-54 (KP54). We determined the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of MVT-602 (doses 0.01 and 0.03 nmol/kg) versus KP54 (9.6 nmol/kg) in the follicular phase of healthy women (n = 9), and in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS; n = 6) or hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA; n = 6). Further, we investigated their effects on KISS1R-mediated inositol monophosphate (IP1) and Ca2+ signaling in cell lines and on action potential firing of GnRH neurons in brain slices.RESULTS. In healthy women, the amplitude of luteinizing hormone (LH) rise was similar to that after KP54, but peaked later (21.4 vs. 4.7 hours; P = 0.0002), with correspondingly increased AUC of LH exposure (169.0 vs. 38.5 IU∙h/L; P = 0.0058). LH increases following MVT-602 were similar in PCOS and healthy women, but advanced in HA (P = 0.004). In keeping with the clinical data, MVT-602 induced more potent signaling of KISS1R-mediated IP1 accumulation and a longer duration of GnRH neuron firing than KP54 (115 vs. 55 minutes; P = 0.0012).CONCLUSION. Taken together, these clinical and mechanistic data identify MVT-602 as having considerable therapeutic potential for the treatment of female reproductive disorders.TRIAL REGISTRATION. International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) Registry, ISRCTN21681316.FUNDING. National Institute for Health Research and NIH.

Journal article

Yang L, Demetriou L, Wall M, Mills E, Zargaran D, Sykes M, Prague J, Abbara A, Owen B, Bassett P, Rabiner E, Comninos A, Dhillo Wet al., 2020, Kisspeptin enhances brain responses to olfactory and visual cues of attraction in men, JCI insight, Vol: 5, ISSN: 2379-3708

Successful reproduction is a fundamental physiological process which relies on the integration of sensory cues of attraction with appropriate emotions and behaviors and the reproductive axis. However, the factors responsible for this integration remain largely unexplored. Using functional neuroimaging, hormonal and psychometric analyses, we demonstrate that the reproductive hormone kisspeptin enhances brain activity in response to olfactory and visual cues of attraction in men. Furthermore, the brain regions enhanced by kisspeptin correspond to areas within the olfactory and limbic systems that govern sexual behavior and perception of beauty as well as overlapping with its endogenous expression pattern. Of key functional and behavioral significance, we observed that kisspeptin was most effective in men with lower sexual quality of life scores. As such, our results reveal a previously undescribed attraction pathway in humans activated by kisspeptin, and identify kisspeptin signaling as a new therapeutic target for related reproductive and psychosexual disorders.

Journal article

Fernandes-Freitas I, Milona A, Murphy KG, Dhillo WS, Owen Bet al., 2020, Live birth in sex-reversed XY mice lacking the nuclear receptor Dax1, Scientific Reports, Vol: 10, ISSN: 2045-2322

The nuclear hormone receptor Dax1 functions during development as a testes-determining gene. However, the phenotype of male mice lacking Dax1 is strain-dependent due to the background-specific abundance of male-determining Sry gene-transcripts. We hypothesised that inter-individual variation in Sry mRNA-abundance would result in a spectrum of phenotypes even within-strain. We found that while all XY C57BL/6J mice lacking Dax1 presented as phenotypic females, there was a marked inter-individual variability in measures of fertility. Indeed, we report rare occasions where sex-reversed mice had measures of fertility comparable to those in control females. On two occasions, these sex-reversed XY mice were able to give birth to live offspring following mating to stud-males. As such, this work documents within-strain variability in phenotypes of XY mice lacking Dax1, and reports for the first time a complete sex-reversal capable of achieving live birth in these mice.

Journal article

Milona A, Massafra V, Vos H, Naik J, Artigas N, Paterson HAB, Bijsmans ITGW, Willemsen ECL, Ramos Pittol JM, Miguel-Aliaga I, Bosma P, Burgering BMT, Williamson C, Vernia S, Dhillo WS, van Mil SWC, Owen BMet al., 2019, Steroidogenic control of liver metabolism through a nuclear receptor-network, Molecular Metabolism, Vol: 30, Pages: 221-229, ISSN: 2212-8778

OBJECTIVE: Coupling metabolic and reproductive pathways is essential for the survival of species. However, the functions of steroidogenic enzymes expressed in metabolic tissues are largely unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Here, we show that in the liver, the classical steroidogenic enzyme Cyp17a1 forms an essential nexus for glucose and ketone metabolism during feed-fast cycles. Both gain- and loss-of-function approaches are used to show that hepatic Cyp17a1 is induced by fasting, catalyzes the production of at least one hormone-ligand (DHEA) for the nuclear receptor PPARα, and is ultimately required for maintaining euglycemia and ketogenesis during nutrient deprivation. The feedback-loop that terminates Cyp17a1-PPARα activity, and re-establishes anabolic liver metabolism during re-feeding is mapped to postprandial bile acid-signaling, involving the receptors FXR, SHP and LRH-1. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings represent a novel paradigm of homeostatic control in which nutritional cues feed-forward on to metabolic pathways by influencing extragonadal steroidogenesis.

Journal article

Jones B, Buenaventura T, Kanda N, Chabosseau P, Owen B, Scott R, Goldin R, Angkathunyakul N, Correa Jr IR, Bosco D, Johnson PR, Piemonti L, Marchetti P, Shapiro AMJ, Cochran B, Hanyaloglu A, Inoue A, Tan T, Rutter G, Tomas Catala A, Bloom Set al., 2018, Targeting GLP-1 receptor trafficking to improve agonist efficacy, Nature Communications, Vol: 9, ISSN: 2041-1723

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activation promotes insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, causes weight loss, and is an important pharmacological target in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Like other G protein-coupled receptors, the GLP-1R undergoes agonist-mediated endocytosis, but the functional and therapeutic consequences of modulating GLP-1R endocytic trafficking have not been clearly defined. Here, we investigate a novel series of biased GLP-1R agonists with variable propensities for GLP-1R internalization and recycling. Compared to a panel of FDA-approved GLP-1 mimetics, compounds that retain GLP-1R at the plasma membrane produce greater long-term insulin release, which is dependent on a reduction in β-arrestin recruitment and faster agonist dissociation rates. Such molecules elicit glycemic benefits in mice without concomitant increases in signs of nausea, a common side effect of GLP-1 therapies. Our study identifies a set of agents with specific GLP-1R trafficking profiles and the potential for greater efficacy and tolerability as T2D treatments.

Journal article

Owen BM, Sondhi V, Liu J, Chomic R, Kliewer SA, Hughes BA, Arlt W, Mangelsdorf DJ, Auchus RJet al., 2016, Impaired 17,20-lyase activity in male mice lacking cytochrome b5 in Leydig cells, Molecular Endocrinology, Vol: 30, Pages: 469-478, ISSN: 1944-9917

Androgen and estrogen biosynthesis in mammals requires the 17,20-lyase activity of cytochrome P450 17A1 (steroid 17-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase). Maximal 17,20-lyase activity in vitro requires the presence of cytochrome b5 (b5), and rare cases of b5 deficiency in human beings causes isolated 17,20-lyase deficiency. To study the consequences of conditional b5 removal from testicular Leydig cells in an animal model, we generated Cyb5(flox/flox):Sf1-Cre (LeyKO) mice. The LeyKO male mice had normal body weights, testis and sex organ weights, and fertility compared with littermates. Basal serum and urine steroid profiles of LeyKO males were not significantly different than littermates. In contrast, marked 17-hydroxyprogesterone accumulation (100-fold basal) and reduced testosterone synthesis (27% of littermates) were observed after human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation in LeyKO animals. Testis homogenates from LeyKO mice showed reduced 17,20-lyase activity and a 3-fold increased 17-hydroxylase to 17,20-lyase activity ratio, which were restored to normal upon addition of recombinant b5. We conclude that Leydig cell b5 is required for maximal androgen synthesis and to prevent 17-hydroxyprogesterone accumulation in the mouse testis; however, the b5-independent 17,20-lyase activity of mouse steroid 17-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase is sufficient for normal male genital development and fertility. LeyKO male mice are a good model for the biochemistry but not the physiology of isolated 17,20-lyase deficiency in human beings.

Journal article

Talukdar S, Zhou Y, Li D, Rossulek M, Dong J, Somayaji V, Weng Y, Clark R, Lanba A, Owen BM, Brenner MB, Trimmer JK, Gropp KE, Chabot JR, Erion DM, Rolph TP, Goodwin B, Calle RAet al., 2016, A long-acting FGF21 molecule, PF-05231023, decreases body weight and improves lipid profile in non-human primates and Type 2 diabetic subjects, Cell Metabolism, Vol: 23, Pages: 427-440, ISSN: 1550-4131

FGF21 plays a central role in energy, lipid, and glucose homeostasis. To characterize the pharmacologic effects of FGF21, we administered a long-acting FGF21 analog, PF-05231023, to obese cynomolgus monkeys. PF-05231023 caused a marked decrease in food intake that led to reduced body weight. To assess the effects of PF-05231023 in humans, we conducted a placebo-controlled, multiple ascending-dose study in overweight/obese subjects with type 2 diabetes. PF-05231023 treatment resulted in a significant decrease in body weight, improved plasma lipoprotein profile, and increased adiponectin levels. Importantly, there were no significant effects of PF-05231023 on glycemic control. PF-05231023 treatment led to dose-dependent changes in multiple markers of bone formation and resorption and elevated insulin-like growth factor 1. The favorable effects of PF-05231023 on body weight support further evaluation of this molecule for the treatment of obesity. Longer studies are needed to assess potential direct effects of FGF21 on bone in humans.

Journal article

Talukdar S, Owen BM, Song P, Hernandez G, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Scott WT, Paratala B, Turner T, Smith A, Bernardo B, Müller CP, Tang H, Mangelsdorf DJ, Goodwin B, Kliewer SAet al., 2016, FGF21 regulates sweet and alcohol preference, Cell Metabolism, Vol: 23, Pages: 344-349, ISSN: 1932-7420

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormone induced by various metabolic stresses, including ketogenic and high-carbohydrate diets, that regulates energy homeostasis. In humans, SNPs in and around the FGF21 gene have been associated with macronutrient preference, including carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake. Here we show that FGF21 administration markedly reduces sweet and alcohol preference in mice and sweet preference in cynomolgus monkeys. In mice, these effects require the FGF21 co-receptor β-Klotho in the central nervous system and correlate with reductions in dopamine concentrations in the nucleus accumbens. Since analogs of FGF21 are currently undergoing clinical evaluation for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, our findings raise the possibility that FGF21 administration could affect nutrient preference and other reward behaviors in humans.

Journal article

Fernandes-Freitas I, Owen BM, 2015, Metabolic roles of endocrine fibroblast growth factors, Current Opinion in Pharmacology, Vol: 25, Pages: 30-35, ISSN: 1471-4892

Considerable effort is currently being devoted to understanding the physiological and pharmacological action of the endocrine fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). These three proteins (FGF15/19, FGF21 and FGF23) act in a tissue-specific manner through a membrane-complex consisting of an FGF-receptor and α/βKlotho. FGF15/19 is produced in the intestine and regulates postprandial liver metabolism and gallbladder filling. FGF21 is largely liver-derived and co-ordinates adaptive changes in response to nutritional and physiological stresses. FGF23 signals from the bone to the kidney to maintain phosphate homeostasis. In pharmacological settings, FGF15/19, FGF21, and the prototypical FGF1, potentially represent novel treatments for obesity and diabetes. This review summarises the recent advances in our understanding of the biology of these important metabolic regulators.

Journal article

Patel R, Bookout AL, Magomedova L, Owen BM, Consiglio GP, Shimizu M, Zhang Y, Mangelsdorf DJ, Kliewer SA, Cummins CLet al., 2015, Glucocorticoids Regulate the Metabolic Hormone FGF21 in a Feed-Forward Loop, MOLECULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY, Vol: 29, Pages: 213-223, ISSN: 0888-8809

Journal article

Owen BM, Mangelsdorf DJ, Kliewer SA, 2015, Tissue-specific actions of the metabolic hormones FGF15/19 and FGF21, TRENDS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM, Vol: 26, Pages: 22-29, ISSN: 1043-2760

Journal article

Owen BM, Ding X, Morgan DA, Coate KC, Bookout AL, Rahmouni K, Kliewer SA, Mangelsdorf DJet al., 2014, FGF21 acts centrally to induce sympathetic nerve activity, energy expenditure, and weight loss, Cell Metabolism, Vol: 20, Pages: 670-677, ISSN: 1550-4131

The mechanism by which pharmacologic administration of the hormone FGF21 increases energy expenditure to cause weight loss in obese animals is unknown. Here we report that FGF21 acts centrally to exert its effects on energy expenditure and body weight in obese mice. Using tissue-specific knockout mice, we show that βKlotho, the obligate coreceptor for FGF21, is required in the nervous system for these effects. FGF21 stimulates sympathetic nerve activity to brown adipose tissue through a mechanism that depends on the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor. Our findings provide an unexpected mechanistic explanation for the strong pharmacologic effects of FGF21 on energy expenditure and weight loss in obese animals.

Journal article

Bookout AL, de Groot MHM, Owen BM, Lee S, Gautron L, Lawrence HL, Ding X, Elmquist JK, Takahashi JS, Mangelsdorf DJ, Kliewer SAet al., 2013, FGF21 regulates metabolism and circadian behavior by acting on the nervous system, NATURE MEDICINE, Vol: 19, Pages: 1147-1152, ISSN: 1078-8956

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hepatokine that acts as a global starvation signal to modulate fuel partitioning and metabolism and repress growth1; however, the site of action of these diverse effects remains unclear. FGF21 signals through a heteromeric cell-surface receptor composed of one of three FGF receptors (FGFR1c, FGFR2c or FGFR3c) in complex with β-Klotho2,3,4, a single-pass transmembrane protein that is enriched in metabolic tissues5. Here we show that in addition to its known effects on peripheral metabolism, FGF21 increases systemic glucocorticoid levels, suppresses physical activity and alters circadian behavior, which are all features of the adaptive starvation response. These effects are mediated through β-Klotho expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus and the dorsal vagal complex of the hindbrain. Mice lacking the gene encoding β-Klotho (Klb) in these regions are refractory to these effects, as well as those on metabolism, insulin and growth. These findings demonstrate a crucial role for the nervous system in mediating the diverse physiologic and pharmacologic actions of FGF21.

Journal article

Owen BM, Bookout AL, Ding X, Lin VY, Atkin SD, Gautron L, Kliewer SA, Mangelsdorf DJet al., 2013, FGF21 contributes to neuroendocrine control of female reproduction, NATURE MEDICINE, Vol: 19, Pages: 1153-1156, ISSN: 1078-8956

Journal article

Papacleovoulou G, Abu-Hayyeh S, Nikolopoulou E, Briz O, Owen BM, Nikolova V, Ovadia C, Huang X, Vaarasmaki M, Baumann M, Jansen E, Albrecht C, Jarvelin M-R, Marin JJG, Knisely AS, Williamson Cet al., 2013, Maternal cholestasis during pregnancy programs metabolic disease in offspring, JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Vol: 123, Pages: 3172-3181, ISSN: 0021-9738

Journal article

Atkin SD, Owen BM, Bookout AL, Cravo RM, Lee C, Elias CF, Elmquist JK, Kliewer SA, Mangelsdorf DJet al., 2013, Nuclear Receptor LRH-1 Induces the Reproductive Neuropeptide Kisspeptin in the Hypothalamus, MOLECULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY, Vol: 27, Pages: 598-605, ISSN: 0888-8809

Journal article

Ding X, Boney-Montoya J, Owen BM, Bookout AL, Coate KC, Mangelsdorf DJ, Kliewer SAet al., 2012, βKlotho Is Required for Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Effects on Growth and Metabolism, CELL METABOLISM, Vol: 16, Pages: 387-393, ISSN: 1550-4131

Journal article

Papacleovoulou G, Abu-Hayyeh S, Owen B, Milona A, Knisely A, Jansen E, Williamson Cet al., 2011, Cholestatic Pregnancy Increases Susceptibility of Offspring to Metabolic Disease. A Role for Placenta?, JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE, Vol: 2, Pages: S96-S97, ISSN: 2040-1744

Journal article

Milona A, Owen BM, Cobbold JFL, Willemsen ECL, Cox IJ, Boudjelal M, Cairns W, Schoonjans K, Taylor-Robinson SD, Klomp LWJ, Parker MG, White R, van Mil SWC, Williamson Cet al., 2010, Raised Hepatic: Bile Acid Concentrations During Pregnancy in Mice Are Associated with Reduced Farnesoid X Receptor Function, HEPATOLOGY, Vol: 52, Pages: 1341-1349, ISSN: 0270-9139

Journal article

Milona A, Owen BM, van Mil S, Dormann D, Mataki C, Boudjelal M, Cairns W, Schoonjans K, Milligan S, Parker M, White R, Williamson Cet al., 2010, The normal mechanisms of pregnancy-induced liver growth are not maintained in mice lacking the bile acid sensor Fxr, AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY, Vol: 298, Pages: G151-G158, ISSN: 0193-1857

Journal article

Owen BM, Milona A, van Mil S, Clements P, Holder J, Boudjelal M, Cairns W, Parker M, White R, Williamson Cet al., 2010, Intestinal Detoxification Limits the Activation of Hepatic Pregnane X Receptor by Lithocholic Acid, DRUG METABOLISM AND DISPOSITION, Vol: 38, Pages: 143-149, ISSN: 0090-9556

Journal article

This data is extracted from the Web of Science and reproduced under a licence from Thomson Reuters. You may not copy or re-distribute this data in whole or in part without the written consent of the Science business of Thomson Reuters.

Request URL: http://wlsprd.imperial.ac.uk:80/respub/WEB-INF/jsp/search-html.jsp Request URI: /respub/WEB-INF/jsp/search-html.jsp Query String: respub-action=search.html&id=00331362&limit=30&person=true