Fibroblast Growth Factor Signalling in the Diseased Nervous System

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) act as key signalling molecules in brain development, maintenance, and repair. They influence the intricate relationship between myelinating cells and axons as well as the association of astrocytic and microglial processes with neuronal perikarya and synapses. Advances in molecular genetics and imaging techniques have allowed novel insights into FGF signalling in recent years. Conditional mouse mutants have revealed the functional significance of neuronal and glial FGF receptors, not only in tissue protection, axon regeneration, and glial proliferation but also in instant behavioural changes. This review provides a summary of recent findings regarding the role of FGFs and their receptors in the nervous system and in the pathogenesis of major neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Automated summary

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play a crucial role in brain development, maintenance, and repair by influencing the complex relationships between myelinating cells, axons, astrocytic and microglial processes, and neuronal perikarya and synapses. Recent advances in molecular genetics and imaging techniques have provided new insights into FGF signaling, particularly in understanding the functional significance of neuronal and glial FGF receptors in tissue protection, axon regeneration, glial proliferation, and immediate behavioral changes. This review summarizes recent findings on the role of FGFs and their receptors in the nervous system and major neurological and psychiatric disorders.