FIBROBLAST GROWTH-FACTORS AND THEIR RECEPTORS

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) represent a group of polypeptide mito gens eliciting a wide variety of responses depending upon the target c ell type. The knowledge of the cell surface receptors mediating the ef fects of FGFs has recently expanded remarkably. The complexity of the FGF family and the FGF-induced responses is reflected in the diversity and redundancy of the FGF receptors. In this review, a number of bioc hemical characteristics and biological properties of the FGF family an d its receptors are described and their expression both in normal tiss ues and in tumours is discussed. Finally we speculate on the targettin g of growth inhibition agents to tumours through FGF receptors.