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

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.

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