FGF-5 Human Active Protein

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. FGF family members possess broad mitogenic and cell survival activities, and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth and invasion. This gene was identified as an oncogene, which confers transforming potential when transfected into mammalian cells. Targeted disruption of the homolog of this gene in mouse resulted in the phenotype of abnormally long hair, which suggested a function as an inhibitor of hair elongation. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

FGF5: Plays an important role in the regulation of cell proliferation and cell differentiation. Required for normal regulation of the hair growth cycle. Functions as an inhibitor of hair elongation by promoting progression from anagen, the growth phase of the hair follicle, into catagen the apoptosis-induced regression phase. Belongs to the heparin-binding growth factors family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Secreted, signal peptide; Secreted; Cytokine; Oncoprotein

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 4q21

Cellular Component: extracellular space; extracellular region

Molecular Function: growth factor activity; fibroblast growth factor receptor binding

Biological Process: epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway; cell proliferation; nervous system development; fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathway; glial cell differentiation; phosphoinositide-mediated signaling; cell-cell signaling; nerve growth factor receptor signaling pathway; positive regulation of cell division; positive regulation of cell proliferation; insulin receptor signaling pathway; innate immune response

Disease: Trichomegaly