Fibroblast growth factor signaling in the vasculature.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2015

Institution/Department

Molecular Medicine, MMCRI

Journal Title

Current atherosclerosis reports

MeSH Headings

Animals, Blood Vessels, Endothelial Cells, Fibroblast Growth Factors, Humans, Muscle, Smooth, Vascular, Myocytes, Smooth Muscle, Signal Transduction

Abstract

Despite their discovery as angiogenic factors and mitogens for endothelial cells more than 30 years ago, much remains to be determined about the role of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors in vascular development, homeostasis, and disease. In vitro studies show that members of the FGF family stimulate growth, migration, and sprouting of endothelial cells, and growth, migration, and phenotypic plasticity of vascular smooth muscle cells. Recent studies have revealed important roles for FGFs and their receptors in the regulation of endothelial cell sprouting and vascular homeostasis in vivo. Furthermore, recent work has revealed roles for FGFs in atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, and vascular dysfunction. The large number of FGFs and their receptors expressed in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells complicates these studies. In this review, we summarize recent studies in which new and unanticipated roles for FGFs and their receptors in the vasculature have been revealed.

ISSN

1534-6242

First Page

509

Last Page

509

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