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Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Grafting of Beads into Developing Chicken Embryo Limbs to Identify Signal Transduction Pathways Affecting Gene Expression
Published on: January 17, 2016
Genetic insights into the mechanisms of Fgf signaling
J Richard Brewer1, Pierre Mazot1, Philippe Soriano1
1Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA.
Abstract:
The fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) family of ligands and receptor tyrosine kinases is required throughout embryonic and postnatal development and also regulates multiple homeostatic functions in the adult. Aberrant Fgf signaling causes many congenital disorders and underlies multiple forms of cancer. Understanding the mechanisms that govern Fgf signaling is therefore important to appreciate many aspects of Fgf biology and disease. Here we review the mechanisms of Fgf signaling by focusing on genetic strategies that enable in vivo analysis. These studies support an important role for Erk1/2 as a mediator of Fgf signaling in many biological processes but have also provided strong evidence for additional signaling pathways in transmitting Fgf signaling in vivo.
Insights
Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling is crucial for development and adult health. Genetic studies reveal Erk1/2 is a key mediator, but other pathways also transmit Fgf signals in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling is vital for embryonic and adult biological processes.
- Dysregulated Fgf signaling contributes to congenital disorders and various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms governing Fgf signaling.
- To highlight the role of genetic strategies in analyzing Fgf signaling in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic strategies for in vivo analysis of Fgf signaling.
- Examination of studies investigating Fgf signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Erk1/2 is confirmed as a significant mediator of Fgf signaling across numerous biological processes.
- Evidence suggests additional signaling pathways are involved in transmitting Fgf signals in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Understanding Fgf signaling mechanisms is essential for comprehending Fgf biology and associated diseases.
- In vivo genetic analyses provide critical insights into the complexity of Fgf signal transduction.
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