Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Screening and Identification of Small Peptides Targeting Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor2 using a Phage Display Peptide Library
Published on: September 30, 2019
The FGF family: biology, pathophysiology and therapy
Andrew Beenken1, Moosa Mohammadi
1Department of Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA. Andrew.Beenken@med.nyu.edu
Abstract:
The family of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) regulates a plethora of developmental processes, including brain patterning, branching morphogenesis and limb development. Several mitogenic, cytoprotective and angiogenic therapeutic applications of FGFs are already being explored, and the recent discovery of the crucial roles of the endocrine-acting FGF19 subfamily in bile acid, glucose and phosphate homeostasis has sparked renewed interest in the pharmacological potential of this family. This Review discusses traditional applications of recombinant FGFs and small-molecule FGF receptor kinase inhibitors in the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disease and their emerging potential in the treatment of metabolic syndrome and hypophosphataemic diseases.
Insights
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are vital for development and homeostasis. FGFs and FGF receptor inhibitors show promise for treating cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and hypophosphatemic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are key regulators of diverse developmental processes.
- The FGF19 subfamily plays critical roles in metabolic homeostasis, including bile acid, glucose, and phosphate regulation.
- Therapeutic applications of FGFs are being explored for various conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the traditional and emerging therapeutic applications of FGFs and FGF receptor kinase inhibitors.
- To highlight the pharmacological potential of the FGF family in disease treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on FGFs and their therapeutic applications.
- Discussion of recombinant FGFs and small-molecule FGF receptor kinase inhibitors.
- Analysis of FGF roles in cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and hypophosphatemic diseases.
Main Results:
- FGFs are involved in critical developmental pathways like brain patterning and limb development.
- FGF receptor kinase inhibitors are used in cancer and cardiovascular disease treatments.
- Emerging evidence supports FGFs' role in metabolic syndrome and hypophosphatemic diseases.
Conclusions:
- The FGF family holds significant therapeutic potential beyond traditional applications.
- Targeting FGF signaling pathways offers promising avenues for treating metabolic and other diseases.
- Further research into FGFs and their inhibitors could lead to novel treatments.
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...
Healing I: Introduction
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Introduction to Fibroblasts
G Protein-coupled Receptors
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
