Fgf

FGF is the acronym for "fibroblast growth factor". FGF refers to a group of growth factors, also known as the FGF family, which currently comprises 23 members: FGF1 to FGF23.

Important prototypes of the FGF family are FGF1 (acidic-FGF) and FGF2 (basic-FGF). They are encoded by different genes that are localized on different chromosomes.

FGFs are 16 to 22 kDa-heavy signaling proteins with important regulatory functions for cell growth and differentiation. FGFs can be detected in almost all tissues of the organism.

FGFs play a key role in embryonic development. Disturbances of FGF functions lead to severe developmental disorders in the embryonic period.

In the adult organism, FGFs control tissue-repairing processes in wound healing and angiogenesis as well as the regeneration of nerves and cartilage tissue.

FGF1 , for example, is the most active growth factor of the FGF family (pronounced angiogenic capacity). It consists of 141 amino acids. The coding gene is located on chromosome 5. Due to its extensive binding capacities with FGF receptors, the biological, mitogenic cell effects are particularly pronounced and characterized by the initiation of cell proliferation, migration and differentiation.

FGF2 is structurally closely related to FGF1. The coding gene is located on chromosome 4. The effects of FGF-2 are similar to those of FGF-1, but not quite as pronounced. It is also produced by adipocytes and influences bone metabolism.

FGF3 consists of 240 amino acids, its structure is approx. 40 % homologous with FGF1; the coding gene is located on chromosome 11. The physiological effects of FGF-3 are largely unknown. It is possible that the receptor plays a role during embryonic development. Mutations in the FGF3 gene are observed in acrolentiginous melanoma.

FGF6 is encoded by the FGF6 gene on chromosome 12p13.32. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. FGF family members have broad mitogenic and cellular survival activity and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth and invasion. The FGF6 gene exhibits oncogenic transforming activity when transfected into mammalian cells. The mouse homolog of this gene has a restricted expression profile, particularly in the myogenic lineage, suggesting a role in muscle regeneration or differentiation.

FGF7 is encoded by the FGF7 gene located on chromosome 15q21. The FGF7 (keratinocyte growth factor) protein encoded by this gene belongs to the family of growth factors secreted by fibroblasts (FGF-7). Members of the FGF family have broad mitogenic and cellular survival activity and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth and invasion.