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Updated: Apr 26, 2026

A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth
06:35

A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth

Published on: December 22, 2020

4.5K

Fibroblast growth factor receptors: multifactorial-contributors to tumor initiation and progression

Shachuan Feng1, Li Zhou1, Edouard Collins Nice2

  • 1School of life science, and The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.

Histology and Histopathology
|July 24, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are crucial for development and cell functions. FGFR alterations drive cancer and developmental disorders, highlighting the link between developmental biology and tumorigenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are key regulators of fundamental biological processes, including organ development, cell proliferation, and migration.
  • FGFRs play critical roles in tumorigenesis by influencing cell survival, proliferation, inflammation, metastasis, and angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding the relationship between Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) disorders and tumorigenesis.
  • To explore how identical FGFR mutations can lead to distinct diseases based on spatio-temporal expression, linking developmental biology to cancer research.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent advances in FGFR research.
  • Analysis of genetic and epigenetic alterations affecting FGFR genes and their functional consequences.
  • Examination of FGFR signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis.

Main Results:

  • FGFR mutations identified in somatic and germ cells can cause both cancer and developmental disorders.
  • FGFRs regulate key tumorigenesis-related molecules (e.g., MMPs, Snail) via major signaling pathways (RAS-MAPK, PI3K-AKT, PLCγ-PIP2, STAT).
  • Various genetic and epigenetic alterations of FGFR genes (methylation, SNPs, mutations, amplification, fusion) lead to altered FGFR function in cancer.

Conclusions:

  • FGFRs are pivotal in tumorigenesis, with their alterations contributing to various cancers.
  • Understanding FGFR regulation in development offers insights into cancer mechanisms.
  • Further research into FGFRs is crucial for both developmental and cancer biology.

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