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Prevalent expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors and FGF2 in human tumor cell lines
L A Chandler1, B A Sosnowski, L Greenlees
1Selective Genetics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA. loisc@selectivegenetics.com
Abstract:
Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) has potent mitogenic and angiogenic activities that have been implicated in tumor development and malignant progression. The biological effects of FGF2 and other members of the FGF ligand family are mediated by 4 transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors (FGFRs). To better understand the roles of FGFRs in cancer, the expression of FGF2 and each of the 4 FGFRs was assessed by RNase protection analysis of 60 human tumor cell lines, representing 9 tumor types. Expression of at least one FGFR isoform was detected in 90% and FGF2 mRNA in 35% of the cell lines. Our comprehensive analysis of FGF2 and FGFR expression in human tumor cell lines provides evidence that FGF signaling pathways are active in a majority of human tumor cell lines, and lends support to the development of anti-tumor strategies that target FGFRs.
Insights
Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) and its receptors (FGFRs) are active in most human tumor cell lines. Targeting these FGF signaling pathways may offer new anti-tumor strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) drives tumor development and progression through mitogenic and angiogenic activities.
- Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFRs) are transmembrane tyrosine kinases mediating FGF2's biological effects.
- Understanding FGFR roles in cancer is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the expression of FGF2 and its four FGFRs in a diverse panel of human tumor cell lines.
- To determine the prevalence of active FGF signaling pathways in various human cancers.
Main Methods:
- RNase protection analysis was employed to quantify FGF2 and FGFR isoform expression.
- The study analyzed 60 human tumor cell lines across 9 different tumor types.
Main Results:
- At least one FGFR isoform was detected in 90% of the analyzed tumor cell lines.
- FGF2 mRNA was found in 35% of the cell lines.
- FGF signaling pathways are active in a majority of human tumor cell lines studied.
Conclusions:
- The widespread expression of FGFRs and FGF2 suggests significant roles in human tumorigenesis.
- Targeting FGFRs represents a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers.
- These findings support the development of novel anti-tumor treatments focused on the FGF pathway.