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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Screening and Identification of Small Peptides Targeting Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor2 using a Phage Display Peptide Library
Published on: September 30, 2019
De-regulated FGF receptors as therapeutic targets in cancer
Victoria Knights1, Simon J Cook
1Laboratory of Molecular Signalling, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, England, UK.
Abstract:
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) acting through their cognate receptors (FGFRs) play vital roles in development and de-regulation of FGF/FGFR signalling is associated with many developmental syndromes. In addition there is much interest in inhibiting FGF/FGFR signalling as a therapeutic approach to cancer. FGF/FGFR signalling is certainly important in tumour angiogenesis but studies in the last few years have uncovered increasing evidence that FGFRs are driving oncogenes in certain cancers and act in a cell autonomous fashion to maintain the malignant properties of tumour cells. These observations make FGFRs increasingly attractive as targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. In this article, we review FGFR signalling and describe recent advances in cancer genomics and cancer cell biology that demonstrate that specific tumour types are dependent upon or addicted to de-regulated FGFR. We also describe the range of therapeutic strategies currently employed or in development to antagonise de-regulated FGFRs including antibodies and small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Insights
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and receptor (FGFR) signaling is crucial in development and cancer. Dysregulated FGFR signaling drives oncogenesis, making FGFRs promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) are critical for cellular processes.
- Dysregulation of FGF/FGFR signaling is implicated in developmental disorders and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review FGF/FGFR signaling pathways.
- To highlight the role of FGFRs as oncogenes in specific cancers.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting FGFRs in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advances in cancer genomics and cell biology.
- Analysis of studies demonstrating FGFR addiction in tumor cells.
- Compilation of current and developing therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- FGFRs function as oncogenes, maintaining malignant properties in tumor cells.
- Specific cancer types exhibit dependence on deregulated FGFR signaling.
- Therapeutic strategies include antibodies and small molecule inhibitors targeting FGFRs.
Conclusions:
- FGFRs are attractive therapeutic targets in oncology.
- Targeting FGFRs offers a promising approach for cancer therapy.
- Further research into FGFR signaling and targeted therapies is warranted.
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