| Type: | Family | Name: | Fibroblast growth factor 13 |
| 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 [, ]. 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. 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.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 []. | Short Name: | FGF13 |
