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Fibroblast Growth Factor Research
Research Guide
What is Fibroblast Growth Factor Research?
Fibroblast Growth Factor Research is the study of the Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) signaling pathway and its roles in development, metabolism, cancer, and therapeutic applications.
This field encompasses 40,526 works examining FGF signaling, including FGF21, FGF receptors, and PPARa in processes such as hepatic lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and bone development. Turner and Grose (2010) in "Fibroblast growth factor signalling: from development to cancer" detail how FGF signaling regulates embryonic development and contributes to tumorigenesis through receptor activation and downstream pathways. Research highlights potential therapies targeting FGF pathways in obesity and cancer.
Topic Hierarchy
Research Sub-Topics
FGF21 Metabolism Regulation
This sub-topic explores FGF21's roles in hepatic lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and obesity. Researchers investigate PPARα-mediated signaling in metabolic disorders.
FGF Signaling in Cancer
This sub-topic examines dysregulated FGF pathways in tumor progression and angiogenesis. Researchers study fibroblast interactions and therapeutic inhibition in oncology.
FGF in Embryonic Development
This sub-topic investigates FGF's essential functions in patterning, organogenesis, and limb development. Researchers analyze receptor-ligand interactions during embryogenesis.
FGF Receptors in Disease
This sub-topic focuses on FGFR mutations, amplification, and roles in pathologies like cancer and skeletal disorders. Researchers develop FGFR-targeted inhibitors.
Therapeutic Targeting of FGF Pathways
This sub-topic evaluates pharmacological modulation of FGF signaling for obesity, cancer, and tissue repair. Researchers assess clinical translation and resistance mechanisms.
Why It Matters
Fibroblast Growth Factor Research informs therapeutic strategies for cancer and metabolic disorders by elucidating FGF signaling mechanisms. Turner and Grose (2010) in "Fibroblast growth factor signalling: from development to cancer" (2620 citations) describe how dysregulated FGF signaling drives tumor progression, suggesting targets for inhibitors in cancers overexpressing FGF receptors. In metabolism, studies link FGF21 to hepatic lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity, with implications for obesity treatments involving PPARa modulation. Kalluri (2016) in "The biology and function of fibroblasts in cancer" (4045 citations) shows fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment promote cancer via FGF-related interactions, as seen in clinical trials targeting stromal FGF pathways.
Reading Guide
Where to Start
"Fibroblast growth factor signalling: from development to cancer" by Turner and Grose (2010) provides an accessible overview of FGF roles across development and cancer, serving as an ideal entry point with clear diagrams of signaling cascades.
Key Papers Explained
Turner and Grose (2010) in "Fibroblast growth factor signalling: from development to cancer" establishes core FGF mechanisms in development and oncogenesis, which Kalluri (2016) in "The biology and function of fibroblasts in cancer" builds upon by detailing fibroblast-FGF interactions in tumors. Friedenstein et al. (1970) in "THE DEVELOPMENT OF FIBROBLAST COLONIES IN MONOLAYER CULTURES OF GUINEA‐PIG BONE MARROW AND SPLEEN CELLS" provides historical context on fibroblast colony formation, linking to modern views in Kalluri (2016). Calvi et al. (2003) in "Osteoblastic cells regulate the haematopoietic stem cell niche" connects FGF-related osteoblast signaling to niche regulation, extending developmental themes from Turner and Grose.
Paper Timeline
Most-cited paper highlighted in red. Papers ordered chronologically.
Advanced Directions
Current frontiers emphasize therapeutic targeting of FGF in cancer and metabolism, as synthesized in Turner and Grose (2010) and Kalluri (2016). No recent preprints or news in the last 6-12 months indicate steady progress without major shifts.
Papers at a Glance
| # | Paper | Year | Venue | Citations | Open Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A modified uronic acid carbazole reaction | 1962 | Analytical Biochemistry | 6.2K | ✕ |
| 2 | The tumour suppressor protein VHL targets hypoxia-inducible fa... | 1999 | Nature | 5.1K | ✕ |
| 3 | HIFα Targeted for VHL-Mediated Destruction by Proline Hydroxyl... | 2001 | Science | 4.6K | ✓ |
| 4 | The biology and function of fibroblasts in cancer | 2016 | Nature reviews. Cancer | 4.0K | ✕ |
| 5 | Osteoblastic cells regulate the haematopoietic stem cell niche | 2003 | Nature | 3.4K | ✓ |
| 6 | Transforming growth factor type beta: rapid induction of fibro... | 1986 | Proceedings of the Nat... | 2.9K | ✓ |
| 7 | Functional polarization of tumour-associated macrophages by tu... | 2014 | Nature | 2.8K | ✓ |
| 8 | THE DEVELOPMENT OF FIBROBLAST COLONIES IN MONOLAYER CULTURES O... | 1970 | Cell Proliferation | 2.7K | ✕ |
| 9 | Fibroblast growth factor signalling: from development to cancer | 2010 | Nature reviews. Cancer | 2.6K | ✕ |
| 10 | TEAD mediates YAP-dependent gene induction and growth control | 2008 | Genes & Development | 2.5K | ✓ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of FGF signaling in cancer?
FGF signaling promotes tumorigenesis by activating receptors that drive cell proliferation and survival. Turner and Grose (2010) in "Fibroblast growth factor signalling: from development to cancer" explain how FGF ligands bind FGFRs to initiate pathways like MAPK and PI3K, contributing to tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. This positions FGF pathways as targets for cancer therapies.
How does FGF signaling function in development?
FGF signaling regulates embryonic patterning, organogenesis, and tissue differentiation through receptor tyrosine kinase activation. Turner and Grose (2010) in "Fibroblast growth factor signalling: from development to cancer" outline its control of limb bud formation and neural development via graded signaling gradients. Disruptions lead to congenital defects.
What are key applications of FGF research in therapy?
FGF research supports therapies for obesity, cancer, and metabolic diseases by targeting FGF21 and receptors. Investigations explore FGF21 agonists to enhance insulin sensitivity and PPARa activity in hepatic lipid metabolism. FGF inhibitors show promise in blocking cancer progression.
How do fibroblasts relate to FGF signaling?
Fibroblasts produce FGFs and respond to FGF signaling, influencing tissue remodeling and cancer microenvironments. Kalluri (2016) in "The biology and function of fibroblasts in cancer" details how cancer-associated fibroblasts secrete FGFs to promote tumor growth and invasion. This interaction is central to stromal-targeted therapies.
What is the current state of FGF research?
FGF research includes 40,526 papers focusing on signaling in development, metabolism, and cancer. Highly cited works like Turner and Grose (2010) establish foundational mechanisms, while applications target obesity and oncology. No recent preprints or news reported in the last 12 months.
Open Research Questions
- ? How can selective FGFR inhibitors avoid developmental toxicities while treating cancer?
- ? What precise mechanisms link FGF21 to PPARa in hepatic lipid metabolism under obesity?
- ? How do tumor-associated fibroblasts modulate FGF signaling to influence immune evasion?
- ? What interactions occur between FGF and Hippo-YAP pathways in fibroblast-mediated growth control?
- ? How does FGF signaling integrate with hypoxia pathways in cancer adaptation?
Recent Trends
The field maintains 40,526 works with no reported 5-year growth rate; highly cited papers like Turner and Grose "Fibroblast growth factor signalling: from development to cancer" (2620 citations) and Kalluri (2016) "The biology and function of fibroblasts in cancer" (4045 citations) continue dominating citations.
2010No recent preprints or news in the last 12 months signals stable research momentum.
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