Fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22)

Fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22) is a secreted protein and member of the fibroblast growth factor family, which comprises proteins with broad roles in cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation[3][6]. FGF22 has been implicated in embryonic development, tissue repair, morphogenesis, and hair follicle formation, and also shows roles in metabolic regulation, including fasting response, glucose homeostasis, lipolysis, and lipogenesis[3][6]. Mouse studies suggest it is involved in hair follicle development by its localized expression in the inner root sheath. Genetically, FGF22 is a protein-coding gene with orthologs across vertebrates, and alternative splicing generates multiple transcript variants. Human diseases associated with FGF22 mutations include developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and lacrimoauriculodentodigital syndrome[3]. Like other FGFs, it is presumed to signal via fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), leading to downstream activation of processes such as cell survival and migration. While other FGFs are directly implicated as targets in oncology and regenerative therapies, FGF22 itself does not have drugs or therapies specifically targeting it, nor is it a current biomarker for patient selection in clinical practice[3][6].

Other names

Fibroblast growth factor 22FGF22FGF-22UNQ2500/PRO5800

Not applicable; no known FGF22-specific drugs. Generic mechanisms for FGF/FGFR inhibition include blocking receptor-ligand binding and inhibiting receptor tyrosine kinase activity.