FIBROBLAST GROWTH-FACTORS IN MAMMALIAN DEVELOPMENT

Polypeptide growth factors are secreted signalling molecules that func tion as intercellular communicators. Detailed analyses oi the expressi on and function of members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) famil y and their receptors have demonstrated that the FGF signalling pathwa ys play essential roles in regulating cellular proliferation, differen tiation and tissue patterning during vertebrate embryogenesis. Recent studies on the molecular basis of human dysmorphic syndromes have reve aled that aberrant FGF signalling during limb and skeletal development can lead to pathogenesis.