Regulation of prostate growth by fibroblast growth factors

Growth of the prostate is controlled by androgen. However, there is information indicating that androgen may not act directly, but may act indirectly through polypeptide growth factors, to control prostate growth. This review will focus on the involvement of members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family in this process. The properties of FGFs and FGF-receptors are described that implicate these molecules in growth control. Information is provided that prostate stromal cells synthesize FGF2 and FGF7. FGF2 is a potent mitogen for stromal cells; whereas, FGF7 is exclusively a mitogen for epithelial cells. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta), also produced by prostate cells, inhibit cell growth. This suggests that prostate growth is controlled by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. Evidence is presented that altered FGF expression accompanies benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. A model is proposed whereby androgen regulates TGF beta, influencing FGF2 and FGF7 expression, and in turn regulating growth of the prostatic stroma and epithelium. An imbalance in the influence of these growth factors may contribute to prostate disease.