Fibroblast growth factor 10

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) is a major morphoregulatory factor that plays essential signaling roles during vertebrate multiorgan development and homeostasis. Fgf10 is predominantly expressed in mesenchymal cells and signals though FGFR2b in adjacent epithelia to regulate branching morphogenesis, stem cell fate, tissue differentiation and proliferation, in addition to autocrine roles. Genetic loss of function analyses have revealed critical requirements for FGF10 signaling during limb, lung, digestive system, ectodermal, nervous system, craniofacial and cardiac development. Heterozygous FGF10 loss of function mutations have been identified in human genetic syndromes associated with craniofacial anomalies, including lacrimal and salivary gland aplasia. Elevated Fgf10 expression is associated with poor prognosis in a range of cancers. In addition to developmental and disease roles, Fgf10 regulates homeostasis and repair of diverse adult tissues and has been identified as a target for regenerative medicine.