Growth Factors

FGFs exhibit a wide range of biological properties. They are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation in various tissues, including connective tissues, nerves, epithelial tissue, and bone . FGFs are expressed in different patterns and are distributed across various tissues. For example, FGF1 (acidic FGF) and FGF2 (basic FGF) are widely expressed in many tissues, while others like FGF18 are specifically involved in cartilage development .

The primary biological functions of FGFs include promoting cell growth, differentiation, and survival. They play a significant role in immune responses and pathogen recognition by influencing the behavior of immune cells . FGFs are also involved in the repair and regeneration of tissues, making them key players in wound healing and tissue homeostasis .

FGFs exert their effects by binding to specific fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) on the cell surface. This binding activates various downstream signaling cascades, including the RAS/MAPK pathway, PI3K/AKT pathway, and PLC-γ pathway . These signaling pathways regulate diverse cellular functions, such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration .

The expression and activity of FGFs are tightly regulated through multiple mechanisms. Transcriptional regulation involves various transcription factors that control the expression of FGF genes . Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and glycosylation, also play a crucial role in modulating the activity and stability of FGFs .

FGFs have numerous applications in biomedical research, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic strategies. They are used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to promote the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues . FGFs are also employed in cancer therapy, as they can influence tumor growth and angiogenesis .

Throughout the life cycle, FGFs play essential roles from development to aging and disease. During embryonic development, FGFs are involved in the formation of body axes, morphogenesis, and organogenesis . In adults, they contribute to tissue homeostasis and repair. Dysregulation of FGF signaling is associated with various diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases .