A fibroblast growth factor is a member of a signalling-protein family whose receptor interactions regulate processes including cell proliferation, survival and cell differentiation. Many members act through FGF receptors, a class of receptor tyrosine kinases. The historical family name does not limit their targets to fibroblasts. [ref]
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th edition by Bruce Alberts and others. Chapter 15, Signaling through Enzyme-Linked Cell-Surface Receptors: growth-factor receptors
FGF8 provides a developmental example: localized production, receptor distribution and surrounding regulatory interactions help determine where cells respond. A signal's spatial effect depends on more than its concentration at the source. Detecting FGF expression therefore identifies a potential signalling input, while receptor activation and a subsequent change in cell fate require separate evidence.
FGF8, or fibroblast growth factor 8, is a signaling protein in the fibroblast growth factor family. It acts through FGF receptors, connecting extracellular ligand recognition to intracellular signal transduction.
The human FGF8 gene has alternatively spliced transcripts. Studies of the corresponding mouse and chick genes connect its expression with limb and midbrain development, gastrulation and other aspects of morphogenesis. These spatial and temporal roles make it a useful example of how a biological growth factor contributes to embryonic development.[ref]
NCBI Gene by the National Library of Medicine. Human FGF8, Gene ID 2253, RefSeq summary: family membership, alternative transcripts and developmental roles of mouse and chick homologs
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