Exploring the Structural and Functional Diversity among FGF Signals: A Comparative Study of Human, Mouse, and Xenopus FGF Ligands in Embryonic Development and Cancer Pathogenesis

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) encode a large family of growth factor proteins that activate several intracellular signaling pathways to control diverse physiological functions. The human genome encodes 22 FGFs that share a high sequence and structural homology with those of other vertebrates. FGFs orchestrate diverse biological functions by regulating cellular differentiation, proliferation, and migration. Dysregulated FGF signaling may contribute to several pathological conditions, including cancer. Notably, FGFs exhibit wide functional diversity among different vertebrates spatiotemporally. A comparative study of FGF receptor ligands and their diverse roles in vertebrates ranging from embryonic development to pathological conditions may expand our understanding of FGF. Moreover, targeting diverse FGF signals requires knowledge regarding their structural and functional heterogeneity among vertebrates. This study summarizes the current understanding of human FGF signals and correlates them with those in mouse and Xenopus models, thereby facilitating the identification of therapeutic targets for various human disorders.

KR158 spheres harboring slow-cycling cells recapitulate GBM features in an immunocompetent system

“…Human and murine FGF receptors are highly conserved and show a 95% homology 29 . We also included 10ng/mL of Heparin (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA, Cat#H3149) as it regulates FGF2 activity, enhances specificity and affinity towards the FGF2 receptor, thereby modulating the transduction cascade and stimulating cell proliferation 30-32 . Cultures were maintained in 1% Antibiotic-Antimycotic (Life Technologies, Carlsbad California, USA, Cat# 15240062).…”

KR158 Spheres Harboring Slow-Cycling Cells Recapitulate High-Grade Glioma Features in an Immunocompetent System

“…Human and murine FGF receptors are highly conserved and show a 95% homology [ 32 ]. We also included 10 ng/mL of heparin (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA, Cat#H3149), as it regulates FGF2 activity and enhances specificity and affinity toward the FGF2 receptor, thereby modulating the transduction cascade and stimulating cell proliferation [ 33 , 34 , 35 ]. Cultures were maintained in 1% antibiotic-antimycotic (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA, USA, Cat#15240062).…”

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21): diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic aspects in heart failure. A review

“…Согласно филогенетическому анализу, члены семейства FGFs могут быть разделены на 7 подсемейств (рис. 1) [7,8].…”