Fibroblast growth factor family (FGF family)

The Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family comprises 22 structurally related signaling proteins in humans that play essential roles in embryonic development, tissue repair, and metabolic homeostasis. These proteins are categorized into three groups based on their mechanism of action: paracrine FGFs, which act locally; endocrine FGFs (FGF19, 21, and 23), which function as systemic hormones; and intracrine FGFs, which act within cells. FGFs exert their biological effects by binding to and activating four highly conserved transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases (FGFR1–4), a process often requiring cofactors such as heparan sulfate or Klotho proteins. Dysregulation of the FGF/FGFR signaling axis is a hallmark of many diseases, including various cancers where it drives tumor growth and angiogenesis, as well as metabolic and skeletal disorders. Therapeutic interventions targeting this family include recombinant FGFs for wound healing, monoclonal antibodies like burosumab for phosphate regulation, and a growing class of FGFR inhibitors used in oncology to block aberrant signaling.

Other names

FGFsHeparin-binding growth factorsHBGFsFibroblast growth factor superfamily

Binding to and activating fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR1-4), inducing receptor dimerization and activation of downstream signaling pathways including RAS-MAPK, PI3K-AKT, PLCγ, and STAT. Endocrine FGFs require Klotho co-receptors for high-affinity binding and systemic activity.