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Fibroblast growth factor 23
Fibroblast growth factor 23
Fibroblast growth factor 23
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FGF23
Available structures
PDBOrtholog search: PDBe RCSB
Identifiers
AliasesFGF23, ADHR, FGFN, HPDR2, HYPF, PHPTC, fibroblast growth factor 23, HFTC2
External IDsOMIM: 605380; MGI: 1891427; HomoloGene: 10771; GeneCards: FGF23; OMA:FGF23 - orthologs
Orthologs
SpeciesHumanMouse
Entrez

8074

64654

Ensembl

ENSG00000118972

ENSMUSG00000000182

UniProt

Q9GZV9

Q9EPC2

RefSeq (mRNA)

NM_020638

NM_022657

RefSeq (protein)

NP_065689

NP_073148

Location (UCSC)Chr 12: 4.37 – 4.38 MbChr 6: 127.05 – 127.06 Mb
PubMed search[3][4]
Wikidata
View/Edit HumanView/Edit Mouse

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a protein and member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family which participates in the regulation of phosphate in plasma and vitamin D metabolism. In humans it is encoded by the FGF23 gene. FGF-23 decreases reabsorption of phosphate in the kidney. Mutations in FGF23 can lead to its increased activity, resulting in autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets.

Description

[edit]

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a 251 amino acid protein which in humans is encoded by the FGF23 gene.[5] FGF23 is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family which participates in phosphate and vitamin D metabolism and regulation.[6][7]

Function

[edit]

FGF23´s main function is to regulate the phosphate concentration in plasma. It does this by decreasing reabsorption of phosphate in the kidney, which means phosphate is excreted in urine. FGF23 is secreted by osteocytes in response to increased calcitriol and phosphate.[8][9][10][11] FGF23 acts on the kidneys by decreasing the expression of NPT2, a sodium-phosphate cotransporter in the proximal tubule.[12]

FGF23 may also suppress 1-alpha-hydroxylase, reducing its ability to activate vitamin D and subsequently impairing calcium absorption.[7][13]

Genetics

[edit]

In humans FGF23 is encoded by the FGF23 gene, which is located on chromosome 12 and is composed of three exons. The gene was identified by its mutations associated with autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets.[14]

Clinical significance

[edit]

Mutations in FGF23, which render the protein resistant to proteolytic cleavage, lead to its increased activity and to renal phosphate loss, in the human disease autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets.

FGF23 can also be overproduced by some types of tumors, such as the benign mesenchymal neoplasm phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor causing tumor-induced osteomalacia, a paraneoplastic syndrome.[15][16]

Loss of FGF23 activity is thought to lead to increased phosphate levels and the clinical syndrome of familial tumor calcinosis. Mice lacking either FGF23 or the klotho enzyme age prematurely due to hyperphosphatemia.[17]

Over-expression of FGF23 has been associated with cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease including cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, vascular calcification, stroke, and endothelial dysfunction.[18]

FGF23 expression and cleavage is promoted by iron deficiency and inflammation.[19]

FGF23 is associated with at least 7 non-nutritional diseases of hypophosphatemia: aside from autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets, X-linked hypophosphatemia, autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets type 1, 2, and 3, Tumor-induced osteomalacia and Hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria.[18]

History

[edit]

Prior to its discovery in 2000, it was hypothesized that a protein existed which performed the functions subsequently shown for FGF23. This putative protein was known as phosphatonin.[20] Several types of effects were described including impairment of sodium dependent phosphate transport in both intestinal and renal brush border membrane vesicles, inhibition of production of calcitriol, stimulation of breakdown of calcitriol, and inhibition of production/secretion of parathyroid hormone.

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fibroblast growth factor 23

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
23 (FGF23) is a bone-derived endocrine hormone that primarily regulates by promoting renal phosphate excretion and suppressing the synthesis of active , thereby maintaining mineral balance in the body. As a member of the family, FGF23 is encoded by the FGF23 gene located on human 12q24.3 and consists of a 251-amino-acid preproprotein that is processed into a mature 32 kDa . It was first identified in 2000 as the causative factor in autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic (ADHR), a condition resulting from gain-of-function mutations that impair its proteolytic cleavage and inactivation. FGF23 is predominantly produced and secreted by osteocytes and osteoblasts in , with expression also detected in other tissues, including the salivary glands and . Its requires binding to receptors (FGFRs), FGFR1c, FGFR3c, and FGFR4 in the , in complex with the co-receptor alpha-Klotho, which is highly expressed in renal s and the parathyroid. Upon activation, FGF23 signaling inhibits sodium- cotransporters (NPT2a and NPT2c) in the proximal tubule, reducing phosphate reabsorption and inducing phosphaturia. It also downregulates the expression of 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), which converts 25-hydroxyvitamin D to its active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (), while upregulating 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) to promote degradation, thereby fine-tuning levels. Beyond phosphate and regulation, FGF23 influences (PTH) secretion by directly suppressing PTH synthesis and release in the parathyroid glands, forming a feedback loop with the calcium-phosphate axis. In bone, FGF23 exerts local effects that inhibit mineralization, as evidenced by studies showing reduced formation in cultures and in FGF23-null mice despite . Emerging evidence suggests extra-renal roles, including modulation of , cardiac , and immune function, though these are less well-characterized. The production of FGF23 is tightly regulated by physiological cues, including elevated serum and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels, which stimulate its expression, while factors like and can also induce it. Proteolytic processing by furin-like enzymes cleaves intact FGF23 at the R176XXR179 motif to generate inactive fragments, a mechanism disrupted in disorders like ADHR. Dysregulation of FGF23 contributes to a spectrum of pathologies, from hereditary hypophosphatemias (e.g., ) characterized by excess FGF23 to , where elevated levels exacerbate mineral imbalances.

Structure and Genetics

Protein Structure

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is synthesized as a 251-amino acid proprotein encoded by the FGF23 gene, featuring an N-terminal signal peptide of 24 amino acids, a central FGF homology domain of approximately 155 amino acids, and a unique C-terminal domain of about 72 amino acids. The signal peptide directs the protein to the secretory pathway and is cleaved upon maturation, yielding a 227-amino acid glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 32 kDa. This domain organization distinguishes FGF23 from classical paracrine FGFs, as the C-terminal extension is essential for its endocrine functions despite lacking significant homology to other family members. Post-translational modifications critically regulate FGF23 activity, particularly through O- and proteolytic processing. The protein undergoes O-glycosylation primarily at Thr171 and Thr178 within the C-terminal domain by the enzyme GalNAc-transferase 3 (GalNAc-T3), which adds residues. This glycosylation at Thr178 sterically hinders cleavage by furin-like proprotein convertases at the R176XXR179 site, stabilizing the full-length intact form (iFGF23) as the predominant circulating active . In contrast, absence or inhibition of this O-glycosylation—often coupled with at Ser180 by Fam20C —promotes furin-mediated cleavage, generating inactive N-terminal (approximately 155 ) and C-terminal fragments that predominate in certain pathological states. These fragments lack but can be detected in assays, complicating clinical measurements. The three-dimensional structure of FGF23 exhibits homology to other FGF family members, with the core FGF homology domain adopting a conserved β-trefoil fold composed of 12 antiparallel β-strands arranged in three β-sheet layers. This fold, spanning residues approximately 25 to 179, forms a compact globular structure essential for binding to receptors (FGFRs), where the β-strands create a binding interface for the receptor's immunoglobulin-like domains. Cryo-electron studies of FGF23 in complex with FGFR1c and α-Klotho confirm this core , highlighting how the extended C-terminal tail protrudes to engage the Klotho coreceptor without disrupting the β-trefoil integrity. Key residues in the C-terminal domain of FGF23, particularly within a 28-amino acid segment (C28), are highly evolutionarily conserved across vertebrates, underscoring their role in high-affinity interaction with α-Klotho. This conservation includes charged and hydrophobic motifs that facilitate ternary complex formation with FGFRs, enabling tissue-specific signaling while preventing off-target effects in Klotho-nonexpressing cells. Such structural adaptations reflect the protein's specialization as an endocrine hormone regulating mineral ion homeostasis.

Gene and Expression

The human FGF23 is located on the short arm of at cytogenetic band 12p13.3, spanning approximately 11.5 kilobases of genomic DNA and consisting of three exons separated by two introns. The encoded preproprotein comprises 251 . The orthologous Fgf23 in mice is positioned on chromosome 6. of FGF23 expression occurs primarily at the transcriptional level through promoter and enhancer elements that confer osteocyte-specific activity. Key regulatory proteins include phosphate-regulating homolog (PHEX), which functions as a direct transcriptional repressor of FGF23, and dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 (DMP1), which inhibits Fgf23 transcription in osteocytes via interactions that suppress activation. These elements ensure tightly controlled expression in response to mineral cues, preventing aberrant upregulation. FGF23 mRNA is predominantly expressed in osteocytes embedded within bone matrix, with lower but detectable levels in osteoblasts during their terminal differentiation. Secondary expression sites include the , , and discrete regions such as the ventromedial , where low-level transcripts support potential paracrine roles. The FGF23 primarily yields a single coding transcript through canonical splicing, though rare non-coding variants arise from alternative processing of its three exons. Expression is developmentally upregulated during postnatal bone growth, particularly as osteoblasts mature and initiate matrix mineralization, aligning FGF23 production with skeletal maturation demands.

Physiological Roles

Phosphate Homeostasis

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) primarily maintains homeostasis by suppressing renal reabsorption of in the proximal tubules of the . It achieves this through downregulation of the sodium- cotransporters NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIc on the brush-border membrane, which reduces uptake and promotes urinary , a process known as phosphaturia. This action ensures that excess dietary is efficiently eliminated, preventing . The effects of FGF23 on levels are dose-dependent, with circulating FGF23 levels exhibiting an inverse correlation to serum concentrations. Elevated FGF23 rapidly lowers serum , with significant reductions observed within hours of administration in experimental models, such as a decrease from approximately 5.9 mg/dL to 4.2 mg/dL in mice after repeated injections. FGF23 integrates with (PTH) to enhance regulation, as both hormones synergistically reduce the expression and activity of NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIc , thereby amplifying phosphaturia. However, FGF23 operates independently of PTH in the bone-kidney axis, responding directly to loads to modulate renal without relying on parathyroid-mediated . In healthy individuals, FGF23 contributes significantly to the variability in daily , serving as a key regulator that adjusts urinary output in response to dietary and maintains systemic balance.

Vitamin D Regulation

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) serves as a key endocrine regulator of active production, primarily by targeting renal proximal tubular cells to suppress the synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (). FGF23 inhibits the expression of the enzyme 1α-hydroxylase (encoded by CYP27B1), which catalyzes the conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to . This downregulation occurs through FGF23's activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in a Klotho-dependent manner, leading to decreased transcription of CYP27B1. As a result, circulating levels are reduced, helping maintain mineral balance under conditions of phosphate excess. In parallel, FGF23 upregulates the expression of 24-hydroxylase (encoded by CYP24A1), the primary enzyme responsible for the catabolism of into inactive metabolites like 1,24,25-trihydroxyvitamin D and calcitroic acid. This induction promotes the degradation of existing , further contributing to lowered active concentrations. The combined inhibitory effect on CYP27B1 and stimulatory effect on CYP24A1 represent a coordinated mechanism to fine-tune bioavailability. These actions integrate into a loop where elevated serum or rising FGF23 levels trigger suppression of production, thereby preventing hypercalcemia and mitigating excessive driven by high activity. By counteracting -induced increases in (PTH) and subsequent elevation, FGF23 ensures that calcium mobilization from remains controlled. Indirectly, the resultant decrease in also reduces intestinal absorption of dietary and calcium by downregulating the expression of apical transporters such as NaPi-IIb and TRPV6 in enterocytes. This interplay reinforces systemic homeostasis without directly affecting renal handling.

Signaling and Regulation

Receptor Interactions

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) binds to canonical fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), specifically the IIIc isoforms of FGFR1 (FGFR1c) and FGFR3 (FGFR3c), as well as FGFR4, to initiate signaling in target tissues. This binding requires the co-receptor alpha-klotho (αKlotho), which forms a ternary complex with FGFR and FGF23, enhancing affinity and enabling activation primarily in the kidney and parathyroid glands. αKlotho directly interacts with FGFRs (particularly FGFR1c), converting them into high-affinity receptors for FGF23, with dissociation constants improving from 200–700 nM for FGFR alone to sub-nanomolar levels in the presence of αKlotho. The C-terminal domain of full-length FGF23 is critical for specificity in binding the FGFR-αKlotho complex, as it engages a composite interface on the binary receptor pair to stabilize the ternary assembly. Proteolytic cleavage of this domain, which generates an N-terminal fragment, abolishes high-affinity interaction and signaling potency, underscoring the requirement for intact full-length FGF23. Upon complex formation, FGF23 activates downstream pathways including /extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) and serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible 1 (SGK1), while eliciting minimal mitogenic effects compared to paracrine FGFs. Tissue-specific actions of FGF23 are delimited by αKlotho expression, which is restricted to the distal convoluted tubules of the , chief cells of the parathyroid, and epithelial cells of the . In these sites, the FGFR-αKlotho complex transduces FGF23 signals to regulate ion homeostasis; absence of αKlotho, as observed in knockout models, results in profound resistance to FGF23, preventing pathway activation despite ligand presence. Receptor engagement culminates in activation of the transcription factor early growth response 1 (Egr1), which represses expression of renal sodium-phosphate cotransporters NaPi-IIa (encoded by SLC34A1) and NaPi-IIc (encoded by SLC34A3), thereby promoting phosphaturia. Similarly, Egr1 downregulates 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), suppressing synthesis of active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in the proximal tubule. These effector mechanisms are mediated via ERK-dependent phosphorylation events downstream of the FGFR-αKlotho complex.

Biosynthesis Controls

High serum serves as the primary stimulator of FGF23 biosynthesis in osteocytes, the main site of its production. Elevated extracellular activates unliganded fibroblast growth factor receptor 1c (FGFR1c), triggering the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. This activation induces expression of the polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (Galnt3) gene, which promotes O-glycosylation of FGF23 at threonine 178, thereby protecting the from proteolytic inactivation and increasing circulating levels of intact FGF23. The ERK pathway response is detectable within approximately 6 hours of elevation, with peak effects observed over subsequent days. FGF23 undergoes posttranslational proteolytic processing that regulates its bioactivity, primarily through cleavage by (also known as PCSK3) and PACE4 (PCSK7) at the R176XXR179/S180 site within the Golgi apparatus. This cleavage inactivates FGF23 by separating it into non-functional N- and C-terminal fragments. O-glycosylation at Thr178, mediated by GalNAc-T3, inhibits this cleavage, enhancing the stability and secretion of intact FGF23; impairment of O-glycosylation, such as through at adjacent Ser180 by Fam20C , promotes -dependent and reduces active levels. Several other factors induce FGF23 secretion, while specific inhibitors suppress its production. Iron deficiency upregulates FGF23 transcription via hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) stabilization in osteocytes and bone marrow cells, leading to elevated intact and cleaved forms. Erythropoietin stimulates FGF23 expression in bone and marrow tissues, promoting both transcription and processing to increase circulating levels. Inflammation, particularly through interleukin-6 (IL-6), enhances FGF23 production by activating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling in osteocytes, resulting in upregulated gene expression and secretion. In contrast, dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) inhibits FGF23 transcription by suppressing nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFAT1) activity, while phosphate-regulating endopeptidase homolog (PHEX) reduces FGF23 levels by both transcriptional repression and enhancement of its proteolytic cleavage. FGF23 exhibits circadian rhythms in expression and secretion, with skeletal mRNA levels peaking during the dark phase (equivalent to evening in humans) around zeitgeber time 16–20 in rodents, coinciding with elevated circulating intact FGF23 and increased renal phosphate excretion. This rhythm is driven by sympathetic nervous system activation and modulated by clock genes such as Cryptochrome 1.

Clinical Implications

Associated Diseases

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) dysregulation is implicated in several disorders of phosphate homeostasis, primarily through alterations in its circulating intact form, which affects renal phosphate reabsorption and vitamin D metabolism. Gain-of-function mutations in the FGF23 gene, particularly in the C-terminal region such as R176Q and R179Q, render the protein resistant to proteolytic cleavage, resulting in elevated levels of intact FGF23. These mutations cause autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR), a rare inherited disorder characterized by lifelong hypophosphatemia, impaired bone mineralization, rickets in children, and osteomalacia in adults due to excessive renal phosphate wasting. Symptoms often present with lower extremity deformities, short stature, and bone pain, with incomplete penetrance influenced by factors like iron deficiency. X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common inherited form of , caused by loss-of-function mutations in the on the , leading to impaired degradation of FGF23 and consequent overproduction of intact FGF23 by osteocytes. This results in chronic , reduced renal , low or inappropriately normal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels, and , lower limb deformities, , dental abscesses, and bone pain. Diagnosis involves for mutations, measurement of elevated serum intact FGF23 (often >100 pg/mL), low serum , and . XLH affects approximately 1 in 20,000 individuals and exhibits , with more severe expression in males. Acquired overproduction of FGF23 occurs in tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO), a driven by benign mesenchymal tumors that ectopically secrete FGF23, mimicking the phosphate-wasting effects of ADHR. These phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs) lead to severe , , , and , with biochemical hallmarks including elevated intact FGF23 levels often exceeding 100 pg/mL, hyperphosphaturia, and inappropriately low 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. relies on demonstrating elevated serum intact FGF23 alongside these phosphate abnormalities, followed by tumor localization via imaging such as scintigraphy or FDG-PET. Surgical resection of the tumor typically resolves the , confirming the causal role of FGF23 overproduction. Loss-of-function mutations in FGF23 or related genes disrupt the protein's activity, leading to contrasting hyperphosphatemic states. In familial tumoral (FTC), also known as hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral (HFTC), biallelic mutations in GALNT3 impair O-glycosylation at Thr178, destabilizing intact FGF23 and promoting its cleavage into inactive fragments, thereby reducing bioactive FGF23 levels. This results in , ectopic calcifications (e.g., dental pulp stones, vascular calcifications), and soft-tissue tumors, with elevated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D exacerbating retention. Similar effects occur with homozygous loss-of-function mutations directly in FGF23, such as missense variants increasing , underscoring the essential role of intact FGF23 in suppressing . In (CKD), early-stage FGF23 resistance arises from declining renal Klotho expression, impairing FGF23 signaling and contributing to subtle despite initially normal or rising FGF23 levels. This resistance necessitates compensatory elevations in circulating FGF23 to maintain balance, but failure of this mechanism in progressing CKD promotes overt and secondary complications.

Therapeutic Targets

Burosumab, a fully targeting FGF23, was approved by the FDA in 2018 for the treatment of (XLH) in adults and children aged 1 year and older, and in 2020 for tumor-induced (TIO) in adults; as of 2025, the pediatric indication for XLH has been expanded to children 6 months of age and older. By binding to the N-terminal domain of FGF23, burosumab prevents its interaction with the FGFR1/α-klotho receptor complex, thereby inhibiting downstream signaling that promotes renal phosphate wasting and suppresses 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production. Clinical trials have demonstrated that burosumab normalizes serum phosphate levels in a high proportion of patients, with 94% of pediatric XLH patients achieving normalization compared to 7% on , and 69% of TIO patients reaching levels above the lower limit of normal. This leads to sustained improvements in phosphate homeostasis and healing of osteomalacia-related bone abnormalities without the frequent dosing required for conventional therapies. Per 2025 guidelines, burosumab is recommended as first-line therapy for symptomatic XLH in children and adults. Prior to burosumab, the standard management of FGF23-mediated hypophosphatemia involved multiple daily doses of oral supplements combined with active analogs such as , which directly replenish and enhance its absorption while counteracting suppressed activation. However, these therapies often result in complications including gastrointestinal intolerance, , , and exacerbation of due to inconsistent control and potential overload. Head-to-head trials in XLH patients have shown burosumab to be superior, providing more stable reabsorption, fewer treatment-related adverse events, and better overall clinical outcomes compared to and active regimens. Measurement of serum intact FGF23 serves as a key diagnostic for FGF23 excess disorders like TIO and ADHR, where levels exceeding the normal range—typically below 50 pg/mL in adults and children—confirm pathologic elevation and guide tumor localization in TIO or genetic evaluation in ADHR. Assays detecting intact FGF23 are preferred over C-terminal assays, which are less specific because they quantify both active full-length and inactive proteolytic fragments, potentially leading to overestimation in conditions with increased cleavage such as CKD. Elevated intact FGF23 (>30 pg/mL in many reference ranges) correlates with disease severity and supports targeted therapies like burosumab. Emerging therapeutic strategies focus on modulating the FGF23-klotho axis to address resistance states, such as in CKD where diminished klotho expression leads to impaired FGF23 signaling and compensatory . Klotho-enhancing approaches, including potential agonists or gene therapies to boost soluble klotho levels, are under investigation to restore FGF23 sensitivity, improve phosphate handling, and mitigate associated complications like vascular . Preclinical models also indicate that anti-FGF23 antibodies can reduce in CKD by lowering , elevating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and normalizing mineral metabolism, though human trials are ongoing to evaluate feasibility beyond XLH and TIO contexts.

Research History

Discovery

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) was first identified in 2000 through independent efforts by two research groups focused on factors regulating phosphate homeostasis. Yamashita et al. conducted a genomic database search using the mouse Fgf23 sequence as a query, leading to the cloning of the full-length human cDNA from a placenta library; they noted its expression primarily in the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus of the brain and thymus, establishing it as a novel member of the fibroblast growth factor family. Concurrently, the ADHR Consortium performed positional cloning and identified activating missense mutations in the FGF23 gene on human chromosome 12p13.3 in families with autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR), linking these mutations to impaired proteolytic cleavage and consequent hypophosphatemia. Subsequent characterization in 2001 by Shimada et al. revealed FGF23's role in acquired . They cloned FGF23 cDNA from a mesenchymal tumor associated with tumor-induced (TIO) and demonstrated marked overexpression of FGF23 mRNA and protein in such tumors, which correlated with severe , renal wasting, and reduced serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in affected patients. To confirm , the group generated Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing mouse Fgf23 and subcutaneously implanted them into nude mice, resulting in tumor-induced that resolved after tumor removal. Initial in vivo functional validation involved injecting recombinant full-length mouse FGF23 protein into normal mice, which rapidly induced renal excretion, , and suppression of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D synthesis without altering serum calcium or levels. Further studies extended these findings to rats, where intravenous administration of recombinant human FGF23 similarly provoked phosphaturia, decreased serum , and modulated vitamin D metabolism enzymes in the . FGF23 was designated as the 23rd member of the FGF family based on , but it stood apart from the classical paracrine-acting FGFs (FGF1–10 and FGF15–23) due to its predominant endocrine function in systemic mineral ion regulation, requiring a coreceptor like alpha-Klotho for renal signaling. Early biochemical advanced its characterization; Larsson et al. developed a two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) targeting epitopes in the C-terminal region of FGF23, enabling quantification of circulating levels in human serum and plasma. This demonstrated that, in healthy individuals, 70–80% of circulating FGF23 exists as proteolytically cleaved C-terminal fragments, which lack compared to the full-length intact .

Key Milestones

Between 2001 and 2004, research established a critical link between FGF23 and Klotho, with studies demonstrating that Klotho mice exhibit aging-like phenotypes including mineral dysregulation, , and elevated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels, mirroring aspects of FGF23 deficiency. In 2004, Shimada et al. reported that FGF23-/- mice displayed similar phenotypes to Klotho-/- mice, including growth retardation and vascular calcification, suggesting an interdependent role in phosphate homeostasis. These findings laid the groundwork for identifying Klotho as an essential co-receptor for FGF23 signaling. From 2005 to 2010, of burosumab, a targeting FGF23, advanced toward clinical application for disorders of excess FGF23 activity. Initial studies in animal models confirmed burosumab's ability to neutralize FGF23, restoring levels in hypophosphatemic conditions. By the late 2000s, phase 1 trials initiated, paving the way for human evaluation. In 2020, burosumab received FDA approval for tumor-induced (TIO), expanding its indications beyond (XLH). During 2011 to 2018, elevated FGF23 levels in (CKD) were strongly linked to increased cardiovascular risk, with cohort studies like the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) showing FGF23 as an independent predictor of and mortality, beyond traditional risk factors. Data from observational trials, including analyses of effects on FGF23, reinforced this association, highlighting FGF23's role in . In 2018, the FDA approved burosumab for (XLH), marking the first targeted therapy for FGF23-related disorders, based on phase 3 trial data demonstrating sustained phosphate normalization and improved severity. From 2019 to 2025, studies clarified FGF23's contribution to wasting in , with 2021 research showing elevated FGF23 levels in critically ill patients correlating with and poor outcomes, potentially exacerbating respiratory and renal complications. Ongoing research into FGF23 modulation in CKD focuses on control strategies to mitigate vascular , with emerging phase 2 trials exploring applications in other conditions like fibrous .

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  61. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24158986/
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