fibroblast growth factors

fibroblast growth factors A family of signaling molecules that bind to surface receptors and exert actions on cells known as fibroblasts. Abbreviated FGFs. There are multiple types of FGFs, and FGF molecules bind to a family of fibroblast growth factor receptor molecules (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and FGFR4). This interaction plays a role in wound healing and embryonic development. Disruption of FGFs or FGFRs can result in disease. Mutations in FGFR2 cause the best-known type of acrocephalosyndactyly, Apert syndrome. Different mutations in FGFR2 are responsible for other genetic diseases, including Pfeiffer syndrome (a type of acrocephalosyndactyly) and Crouzon syndrome (a craniofacial disorder). All these disorders are inherited as autosomal dominant traits. See also acrocephalosyndactyly; Apert syndrome; Crouzon syndrome; Pfeiffer syndrome.