Pleiotropic function of FGF-4: its role in development and stem cells.
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) were initially recognized as fibroblast-specific growth factor, and it is now apparent that these growth factors regulate multiple biological functions. The diversity of FGFs function is paralleled by the emerging diversity of interactions between FGF ligands and their receptors. FGF-4 is a member of the FGF superfamily and is a mitogen exhibiting strong action on numerous different cell types. It plays a role in various stages of development and morphogenesis, as well as in a variety of biological processes. Recent studies reveal the molecular mechanisms of FGF-4 gene regulation in mammalian cells, which is involved in the developmental process. Furthermore, FGF-4 also acts on the regulation of proliferation and differentiation in embryonic stem cells and tissue stem cells. In this review, we focus on the diverse biological functions of FGF-4 in the developmental process and also discuss its putative roles in stem cell biology.
Kosaka
Nobuyoshi
N
Section for Studies on Metastasis, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Sakamoto
Hiromi
H
Terada
Masaaki
M
Ochiya
Takahiro
T
D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D051519:Fibroblast Growth Factor 4 / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009024:Morphogenesis; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*
D051519:Fibroblast Growth Factor 4