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Published on: March 28, 2016
Fibroblast growth factor signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans
C Z Borland1, J L Schutzman, M J Stern
1Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, New Haven, CT 06520-8005, USA.
Abstract:
Growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), play a major role in how cells communicate with their environment. FGFR signaling is crucial for normal development, and its misregulation in humans has been linked to developmental abnormalities and cancer. The precise molecular mechanisms by which FGFRs transduce extracellular signals to effect specific biologic responses is an area of intense research. Genetic analyses in model organisms have played a central role in our evolving understanding of these signal transduction cascades. Genetic studies in the nematode C. elegans have contributed to our knowledge of FGFR signaling by identifying genes involved in FGFR signal transduction and linking their gene products together into signaling modules. This review will describe FGFR-mediated signal transduction in C. elegans and focus on how these studies have contributed to our understanding of how FGFRs orchestrate the assembly of intracellular signaling pathways.
Insights
Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling is vital for cell communication and development. Studies in C. elegans reveal how FGFRs orchestrate intracellular pathways, advancing our understanding of developmental abnormalities and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), including fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), are key mediators of cell-environment communication.
- FGFR signaling is essential for normal development, and its dysregulation is implicated in human developmental disorders and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review FGFR-mediated signal transduction in the model organism C. elegans.
- To highlight how genetic studies in C. elegans have elucidated the molecular mechanisms of FGFR signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analyses in C. elegans to identify genes involved in FGFR signal transduction.
- Linking identified gene products into functional signaling modules.
Main Results:
- Identification of novel genes and their products participating in FGFR signal transduction cascades.
- Elucidation of how FGFRs organize intracellular signaling pathway assembly.
Conclusions:
- C. elegans genetic studies provide critical insights into conserved FGFR signaling mechanisms.
- Understanding FGFR pathway orchestration is crucial for addressing developmental abnormalities and cancer.
