| Primary Identifier | IPR028279 | Type | Family |
| Short Name | FGF13 |
| description | Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) [, ]are a family of multifunctional proteins, often referred to as 'promiscuous growth factors' due to their diverse actions on multiple cell types [, ]. FGFs are mitogens, which stimulate growth or differentiation of cells of mesodermal or neuroectodermal origin. The function of FGFs in developmental processes include mesoderm induction, anterior-posterior patterning, limb development, and neural induction and development. In mature tissues, they are involved in diverse processes including keratinocyte organisation and wound healing [, , , , , ]. FGF involvement is critical during normal development of both vertebrates and invertebrates, and irregularities in their function leads to a range of developmental defects [, , , ]. Fibroblast growth factors are heparin-binding proteins and interactions with cell-surface-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycans have been shown to be essential for FGF signal transduction. FGFs have internal pseudo-threefold symmetry (β-trefoil topology) []. There are currently over 20 different FGF family members that have been identified in mammals, all of which are structurally related signaling molecules [, ]. They exert their effects through four distinct membrane fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), FGFR1 to FGFR4 [], which belong to the tyrosine kinase superfamily. Upon binding to FGF, the receptors dimerize and their intracellular tyrosine kinase domains become active [].This entry represents fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13), also known as fibroblast growth factor homologous factor 2. It is thought to be involved in nervous system development and function []. FGF13 has been shown to induce cell growth of lung fibroblasts and aortic smooth muscle cells, but has no effect on dermal vascular endothelial cells []. It also is thought to regulate voltage-gated sodium channels transport and function, and play a role in MAPK signaling []. The localisation and tissue-specific expression pattern of FGF13 has made it a possible candidate for familial cases of Borjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome (BFLS) and other syndromal and nonspecific forms of X-linked mental retardation []. |
