Fibroblast growth factors in skeletal development

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) are expressed throughout all stages of skeletal development. In the limb bud and in cranial mesenchyme, FGF signaling is important for formation of mesenchymal condensations that give rise to bone. Once skeletal elements are initiated and patterned, FGFs regulate both endochondral and intramembranous ossification programs. In this chapter, we review functions of the FGF signaling pathway during these critical stages of skeletogenesis, and explore skeletal malformations in humans that are caused by mutations in FGF signaling molecules.

Keywords: Chondrocyte; Chondrodysplasia; Craniosynostosis; Endochondral ossification; Fibroblast growth factor receptors; Fibroblast growth factors; Heparan sulfate proteoglycans; Intracellular signaling; Intramembranous ossification; Osteoblast; Receptor tyrosine kinase.