A major area of study in the laboratory centers on the secretion of a key enterokine, fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), involved in bile acid homeostasis. Research studies led by former Pedi GI fellow, Ajay Jain, M.D., we were first to show that plasma FGF19 secretion is suppressed in piglets nourished by TPN. We also showed that minimal enteral bile acid feeding restores FGF19 secretion and prevents cholestasis in TPN fed piglets. More recent studies by Dr. Caitlin Vonderohe have discovered a novel developmental program in FGF19 biology that describes the molecular and cellular mechanisms that trigger upregulation of FGF19 expression and secretion in late gestation fetal life. She has also shown that a key stress hormone, cortisol, triggers the secretion of FGF19 at birth.
The Figure below shows FGF19 biology: Fibroblast Growth Factor-19 pre- and post-natal secretion and target tissues at physiologic and supraphysiologic levels
