| FGF9 — Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 | |
|---|---|
| Symbol | FGF9 |
| Full Name | Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 (Glial-Activating Factor) |
| Chromosome | 13q12.11 |
| NCBI Gene | 2254 |
| Ensembl | ENSG00000157184 |
| OMIM | 135501 |
| UniProt | P31360 |
| Diseases | Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis |
| Expression | Brain, Lung, Heart, Kidney, Testis |
FGF9 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 9), also known as Glial-Activating Factor (GAF), is a member of the FGF family originally identified for its ability to stimulate glial cell proliferation. Located on chromosome 13q12.11, FGF9 plays important roles in nervous system development and function [1][2].
FGF9 has distinct receptor binding properties compared to other FGFs, with particular affinity for FGFR3, making it unique in the family. In the adult brain, FGF9 continues to be expressed and participates in glial function and neural plasticity [3].
The FGF9 gene spans approximately 9 kb and consists of 3 exons. It encodes a protein of 208 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 23 kDa.
FGF9 is expressed in:
FGF9 binds preferentially to:
This specificity distinguishes FGF9 from other FGFs.
FGF9-FGFR3 activation triggers:
Glial Activation
Neuronal Survival
Myelination
FGF9 is implicated in AD:
Glial Response
Neuroinflammation
In PD:
FGF9 in MS:
FGF9 as a target:
Naruo et al., Novel growth factor receptors (1993). FEBS Letters, 1993.
Matsumoto et al., FGF9 as a neuronal growth factor (1994). Science, 1994.
FGF9 in brain development and disease (2011). Neuroscience, 2011.
FGF9 and Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis (2020). Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2020.
FGF9 UniProt Entry P31360. UniProt, 2024.