Description
Human FGF-23 belongs to the FGF-19 subfamily which has three members FGF-19, 21, 23. All FGF family members are heparin binding growth factors with a core 120 amino acid (a.a.) FGF domain that allows for a common tertiary structure. They are classically considered to be paracrine factors and are known for their roles in tissue patterning and organogenesis during embryogenesis. By contrast, the FGF-19 subfamily has recently been shown to function in an endocrine manner. Members of this subfamily have poor ability of binding to heparin binding site which is a crucial factor in ligand-receptor complex formation. β-Klotho has been identified as co-factor required for FGF-19, 21, 23 signaling. It can obviously increase ligand-receptor affinity. FGF-23 is most highly expressed in bone, from which it circulates through the blood to regulate vitamin D and phosphate metabolism in kidney