The relevance of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 for colorectal cancer (CRC)

• Applicants: Dr. Martina Feger; Professor Dr. Michael Föller
• Subject Area: Anatomy and Physiology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 496909959

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone that is primarily synthesized in bone. Mainly in the kidney, it exerts endocrine effects including the regulation of renal phosphate transport and calcitriol formation. Recently, further paracrine effects of FGF23 were found to exist in the heart, the immune system and the liver. In clinical medicine, FGF23 is relevant as disease biomarker correlating with severity and progress of certain kidney and cardiovascular disorders. Production of FGF23 is controlled by hormones calcitriol and parathyroid hormone and is affected, amongst others, by inflammation and iron metabolism. This project is dedicated to the role of FGF23 in colorectal cancer. It seeks to explore (i) the relevance of PGE2, an inflammatory eicosanoid implicated in colorectal cancer, and eicosanoid receptor E2 for colorectal cancer, (ii) the functional relevance of FGF23 for colorectal cancer, and (iii) the suitability of FGF23 as a biomarker for colorectal cancer of humans. The study may contribute to a better understanding of the relevance of FGF23 for colorectal cancer, a frequent malignancy. In the long run, it may result in novel diagnostic and therapeutic options.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants