Putative functions of fibroblast growth factors in retinal development, maturation and survival

The understanding of growth factor functions in the central nervous system is of paramount importance. They participate in all stages of neural development, maintenance and survival and are implicated in many pathological states. The complexity of the regulation of these signalling molecules and the intricate structure of brain tissue has made progress towards these goals difficult. The vertebrate retina has long been utilised as a model for development and function of the CNS owing to it's accessibility, organisation and composition. This is also true for growth factor research. This review will attempt to discuss some recent data, particularly with respect to the fibroblast growth factor family and highlight where more work is required for two areas of research: (1) the physiological role(s) of growth factors in retinal development and function; and (2) the potential use of growth factors in neuroprotection.retina, photoreceptor, development, survival, growth factors in neuroprotection.