Gene Symbol: FGF5
Path: /genes/fgf5
Also Known As: HBGF-5, TCMGLY, Smag-82, Zigzag
Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 (FGF5) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family that was originally identified as an oncogene capable of inducing fibroblast transformation. It plays important roles in hair follicle development, neural development, and has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. FGF5 is a secreted growth factor that primarily binds to FGFR1 to activate signaling pathways regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
- Official Name: Fibroblast Growth Factor 5
- Gene Symbol: FGF5
- Chromosomal Location: 4q21.21 (GRCh38: 80266588..80291017)
- Entrez Gene ID: 2250
- Ensembl ID: ENSG00000138640
- UniProt ID: P12034
- Protein Name: Fibroblast Growth Factor 5
- Molecular Weight: ~29 kDa
- Length: 267 amino acids
- Structure: Contains signal peptide, FGF family domain, and C-terminal heparin-binding domain
- Primary Receptor: FGFR1
FGF5 has diverse biological functions:
- Hair Follicle Development: Critical regulator of hair growth cycle, particularly anagen phase. Knockout mice exhibit abnormally long hair (trichomegaly).
- Neuronal Development: Promotes proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells during embryonic development
- Angiogenesis: Stimulates blood vessel formation in developing and regenerating tissues
- Wound Healing: Involved in tissue repair and regeneration processes
FGF5 activates FGFR1 signaling, which triggers downstream pathways including MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, and PLCγ. Gene Ontology annotations indicate involvement in nervous system development and neurogenesis.
FGF5 plays important roles in neural development and function:
- Neurogenesis: Promotes proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells in the developing brain
- Adult Neurogenesis: Can stimulate neurogenesis in the hippocampal region, which is important for learning and memory
- Synaptic Plasticity: Influences synaptic formation and function in various brain regions
- Glial Function: Expressed in astrocytes and may influence astrocyte function
In the adult brain, FGF5 is expressed in the hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum, where it contributes to neuronal maintenance and plasticity.
FGF5 has several connections to neurodegenerative processes:
- FGF5 is expressed in astrocytes and may influence neuroinflammation in AD brain
- Altered expression patterns observed in AD brain tissue
- May interact with amyloid-beta pathology through glial-mediated processes
- Potential role in aberrant cell cycle re-entry in neurons
- May affect dopaminergic neuron survival through FGFR1 signaling
- FGF5 expression can be modulated by neuronal injury
- May participate in neuroinflammatory responses in PD
FGF5 exhibits neurotrophic effects:
- Promotes neuron survival under various stress conditions
- Can enhance synaptic plasticity
- Supports adult hippocampal neurogenesis
- May improve cognitive function in neurodegenerative models
Additional evidence sources: