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Developmental
Metazoans
FGF Signaling
Fibroblast growth factor signaling controlling proliferation, differentiation, and organogenesis.
Overview
The FGF family includes 22 ligands that signal through 4 receptor tyrosine kinases (FGFR1-4). FGF binding with heparan sulfate proteoglycan co-receptors induces receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation, activating RAS-MAPK, PI3K-AKT, PLCγ, and STAT pathways. FGFs are crucial morphogens for limb development, brain patterning, angiogenesis, and wound healing.
Cellular Location
Membrane → cytoplasm → nucleus
Clinical Significance
FGFR3 gain-of-function causes achondroplasia (dwarfism); FGFR amplifications in cancer; FGFR inhibitors (erdafitinib) approved for bladder cancer; FGF23 regulates phosphate metabolism.