response to fibroblast growth factor

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a fibroblast growth factor stimulus. [GOC:mah]

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of signaling proteins that play diverse roles in development, cell growth, and tissue repair. The biological process of response to fibroblast growth factor involves a complex cascade of events initiated by the binding of FGFs to their cognate receptors, known as fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs). These receptors are transmembrane proteins with an extracellular domain that binds FGFs and an intracellular domain that activates downstream signaling pathways. Upon FGF binding, FGFRs dimerize and undergo autophosphorylation, creating docking sites for intracellular signaling molecules.

The primary signaling pathways activated by FGFRs are the Ras/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and PLCγ pathways. The Ras/MAPK pathway promotes cell proliferation and differentiation, while the PI3K/AKT pathway regulates cell survival and growth. The PLCγ pathway is involved in calcium signaling and cytoskeletal rearrangements. These pathways converge to regulate a wide array of cellular processes, including gene expression, protein synthesis, and cellular metabolism.

The response to fibroblast growth factor is highly context-dependent, varying depending on the specific FGF, FGFR, and cell type involved. For example, FGF2 can stimulate proliferation of fibroblasts, while FGF8 is involved in limb development. Different FGFRs exhibit distinct ligand specificities and downstream signaling profiles, contributing to the diverse biological roles of FGFs.

In addition to their role in normal development and tissue homeostasis, FGFs are implicated in various diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and cardiovascular disease. Aberrant FGF signaling is often associated with tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Therapeutic strategies targeting FGF signaling are being explored for the treatment of these diseases.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (9)