FGF8: Plays an important role in the regulation of embryonic development, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and cell migration. Required for normal brain, eye, ear and limb development during embryogenesis. Required for normal development of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal system. Defects in FGF8 are the cause of Kallmann syndrome type 6 (KAL6). Kallmann syndrome is a disorder that associates hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia. Anosmia or hyposmia is related to the absence or hypoplasia of the olfactory bulbs and tracts. Hypogonadism is due to deficiency in gonadotropin-releasing hormone and probably results from a failure of embryonic migration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone- synthesizing neurons. In some patients other developmental anomalies can be present, which include renal agenesis, cleft lip and/or palate, selective tooth agenesis, and bimanual synkinesis. In some cases anosmia may be absent or inconspicuous. Defects in FGF8 are a cause of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). IHH is defined as a deficiency of the pituitary secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, which results in the impairment of pubertal maturation and of reproductive function. Belongs to the heparin-binding growth factors family. 4 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.
Protein type: Secreted, signal peptide; Secreted; Cytokine
Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 10q24
Cellular Component: extracellular space; extracellular region; external side of plasma membrane
Molecular Function: growth factor activity; type 2 fibroblast growth factor receptor binding; chemoattractant activity; fibroblast growth factor receptor binding; type 1 fibroblast growth factor receptor binding
Biological Process: gonad development; nerve growth factor receptor signaling pathway; apoptosis; cell proliferation in forebrain; adrenocorticotropin hormone secreting cell differentiation; motor axon guidance; gastrulation; thyroid stimulating hormone secreting cell differentiation; forebrain dorsal/ventral pattern formation; Wnt receptor signaling pathway through beta-catenin; mesodermal cell migration; response to organic cyclic substance; embryonic hindlimb morphogenesis; BMP signaling pathway; odontogenesis; positive chemotaxis; induction of an organ; positive regulation of cell proliferation; thyroid gland development; male genitalia development; mesonephros development; pallium development; heart looping; negative regulation of neuron apoptosis; otic vesicle formation; regulation of odontogenesis of dentine-containing teeth; response to drug; negative regulation of cardiac muscle development; epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway; anatomical structure morphogenesis; phosphoinositide-mediated signaling; pharyngeal system development; fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathway; positive regulation of mitosis; neural plate morphogenesis; MAPKKK cascade; subpallium development; forebrain morphogenesis; dorsal/ventral axon guidance; positive regulation of organ growth; patterning of blood vessels; ureteric bud branching; forebrain neuron development; midbrain-hindbrain boundary development; insulin receptor signaling pathway; innate immune response; blood vessel remodeling; response to oxidative stress; metanephros development
Disease: Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism 6 With Or Without Anosmia
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