Genomic structure, mapping, activity and expression of fibroblast growth factor 17

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are vital signaling molecules regulating embryonic development.
• The FGF family plays critical roles in cell growth, differentiation, and morphogenesis.
• Understanding novel FGF members like FGF17 is essential for deciphering developmental pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the novel fibroblast growth factor 17 (FGF17) gene and its protein product.
• To investigate the expression patterns of Fgf17 during midgestation embryogenesis.
• To compare Fgf17 expression with the known developmental factor Fgf8.

Main Methods:

• Gene mapping of Fgfl7 to mouse chromosome 14.
• Amino acid sequence comparison between FGF17, FGF8, and other FGF family members.
• Assessment of FGF17 transforming activity in 3T3 fibroblasts.
• In situ hybridization to determine Fgf17 expression sites in developing embryos.

Main Results:

• Fgfl7 is highly conserved between mouse and human, showing significant amino acid identity with Fgf8.
• Mouse FGF17 exhibits transforming activity, suggesting interaction with specific FGF receptors (FGFRs).
• Fgf17 expression was localized to the forebrain, midbrain-hindbrain junction, skeleton (costal cartilage), and developing arteries.
• Fgf17 expression patterns closely resemble Fgf8, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS), but Fgf17 expression is slightly delayed.

Conclusions:

• FGF17 is a conserved gene with structural similarities to FGF8, playing a role in embryonic development.
• Both Fgf17 and Fgf8 are important for CNS development, with potential distinct roles in skeletal and vascular growth.
• FGF17 may have a more significant role in vascular development due to its preferential expression in developing arteries.