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Updated: May 28, 2026

Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence
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Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence

Published on: May 1, 2017

Roles of FGF signaling in stem cell self-renewal, senescence and aging

Daniel L Coutu1, Jacques Galipeau

  • 1Stem Cell Dynamics Research Unit, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.

Aging
|October 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) are crucial for stem cell self-renewal and tissue repair. This review explores their role in combating aging and promoting regeneration.

Area of Science:

  • Biogerontology
  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Aging diminishes tissue function and regenerative capacity, linked to cellular senescence and reduced somatic stem cell activity.
  • Stem cell therapies offer promising avenues for mitigating aging effects and enhancing tissue repair.
  • Understanding stem cell self-renewal mechanisms is key to unlocking these therapeutic potentials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the established roles of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) in stem cell biology.
  • To elucidate the involvement of FGF/FGFR signaling in cellular senescence and the aging process.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of FGFs and FGFRs in regenerative medicine and anti-aging strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on FGFs, FGFRs, stem cell self-renewal, and aging.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying FGF signaling in somatic stem cells.
  • Synthesis of evidence linking FGF/FGFR pathways to cellular senescence and age-related tissue decline.

Main Results:

  • FGFs and FGFRs are identified as critical regulators of stem cell self-renewal across various tissues.
  • FGF signaling actively promotes self-renewing proliferation and inhibits cellular senescence.
  • Evidence suggests FGFs play a significant role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and repair throughout the aging process.

Conclusions:

  • FGFs and FGFRs are pivotal in maintaining stem cell function and combating age-related decline.
  • Targeting FGF signaling pathways presents a promising therapeutic strategy for regenerative medicine.
  • Further research into FGFs and FGFRs could lead to novel interventions for aging and tissue regeneration.

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