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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Isolation of Normal and Cancer-associated Fibroblasts from Fresh Tissues by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)
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Isolation of Normal and Cancer-associated Fibroblasts from Fresh Tissues by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)

Published on: January 14, 2013

Functions of fibroblast growth factors and their receptors

A O Wilkie1, G M Morriss-Kay, E Y Jones

  • 1Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.

Current Biology : CB
|May 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) were identified as mitogens but their normal functions in vivo are now being uncovered. Studies of mutations in FGFs and their receptors are revealing their roles in mice and humans.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) were initially identified as mitogens for cultured fibroblasts.
  • Extensive in vitro data exist, but in vivo functions remain less understood.
  • Recent advances are shedding light on the physiological roles of FGFs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the normal biological functions of fibroblast growth factors.
  • To investigate the roles of FGFs and their receptors in mammalian development and physiology.
  • To leverage insights from genetic studies to understand FGF signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of natural and experimentally induced mutations in FGF genes.
  • Studies on mutations affecting FGF receptors.
  • Phenotypic analysis of mutant mice and human genetic data.

Main Results:

  • Mutations in FGFs and their receptors lead to observable developmental and physiological defects.
  • These studies highlight the critical roles of specific FGFs in various biological processes.
  • Understanding genotype-phenotype correlations in FGF-related disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Fibroblast growth factors are essential regulators of normal physiological processes in vivo.
  • Studies of genetic mutations provide crucial insights into FGF function.
  • Further research into FGF signaling pathways holds potential for therapeutic interventions.

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