The canonical FGF-FGFR signaling system at the molecular level

Abstract Extracellular signaling molecules, among them the fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), enable cells to communicate with neighboring cells. Such molecules that receive and transmit a signal require specific tyrosine kinase receptors located at cell surface (fibroblast factor receptors, FGFRs). The binding of molecule its receptor results in dimerization conformational changes cytoplasmic part receptor. lead trans-autophosphorylation domains subsequently induction several downstream pathways expression appropriate genes. activated by FGFs control coordinate behaviors such as division, migration, differentiation, death. their transmembrane are widely distributed different tissues participate fundamental processes during embryonic, fetal, adult human life. FGF/FGFR family comprises 22 ligands 4 high affinity receptors. In addition, bind low heparan sulfate proteoglycans surface. availability ligand/receptor pair, combined co-receptor, initiates signaling. Inappropriate can cause skeletal disorders, primarily dwarfism, craniofacial malformation syndromes, mood metabolic Kallman syndrome. aberrations have already been reported types malignant diseases. Knowledge about molecular mechanisms activation is necessary understand basis these