Primer on fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF 7)

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), also known as keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), is a crucial signaling molecule primarily expressed by mesenchymal cells but acting on epithelial cells.
• FGF7 interacts with its receptor FGFR2-IIIb, activating downstream pathways like Ras and PI3K-Akt, influencing diverse biological processes.
• Its expression is widespread across various tissues, including the urinary, gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin, and reproductive systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the genomic structure, signaling pathways, and expression patterns of FGF7.
• To explore the role of FGF7 in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis.
• To summarize FGF7's involvement in various human diseases and its therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on FGF7.
• Analysis of FGF7 genomic structure and signaling pathways.
• Examination of FGF7 expression patterns and mutant phenotypes.

Main Results:

• FGF7 is implicated in organ development and tissue maintenance.
• FGF7 signaling is associated with heritable diseases (e.g., ADPKD, NS CLP) and acquired conditions (e.g., COPD, IPF, metabolic diseases).
• FGF7 contributes to tumorigenesis and cancer progression, affecting proliferation, invasion, and treatment resistance.

Conclusions:

• FGF7 and its signaling pathways are critical regulators of epithelial cell function.
• Aberrant FGF7 signaling contributes to a spectrum of human diseases, from developmental disorders to cancer.
• Targeting FGF7 pathways offers promising therapeutic strategies for numerous conditions, necessitating further research.