FGF-21 is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 183 amino acids, including an N-terminal methionine, with a molecular mass of approximately 20.1 kDa . The recombinant version of FGF-21, produced in Escherichia coli, is purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques . This recombinant protein is typically provided as a filtered, lyophilized powder, which can be reconstituted in deionized water to prepare a working stock solution .
FGF-21 is predominantly expressed in the liver but also found in other tissues. It plays a crucial role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Some of its key functions include:
FGF-21 has shown promise as a therapeutic agent for metabolic disorders. It has been used in phase II clinical trials for treating metabolic diseases, which are prevalent worldwide . The ability of FGF-21 to improve glucose and lipid profiles, along with its potential to induce weight loss, underscores its significant market potential .
The production of recombinant FGF-21 must be efficient to meet market demand. Recent advancements in microbial industrial fermentation have led to high-yield production of FGF-21 . Techniques such as the double promoter and tandem gene strategy have significantly improved the expression levels of FGF-21 in engineered strains . These advancements lay a solid foundation for the future industrialization of FGF-21 and its application in various therapeutic contexts .