Gene Symbol: FGF3
Path: /genes/fgf3
Also Known As: INT1, HST, HST-1, INT2, HBGF-3 [@fgf2005]
Overview
Fibroblast Growth Factor 3 (FGF3) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family that plays crucial roles in embryonic development, tissue repair, and cellular proliferation. FGF3 is particularly important for inner ear development and neural crest cell formation. As a secreted growth factor, FGF3 binds to fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) to activate downstream signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. [@fgf2019]
Gene Symbol: FGF3
Path: /genes/fgf3
Also Known As: INT1, HST, HST-1, INT2, HBGF-3 [@fgf2005]
Overview
Fibroblast Growth Factor 3 (FGF3) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family that plays crucial roles in embryonic development, tissue repair, and cellular proliferation. FGF3 is particularly important for inner ear development and neural crest cell formation. As a secreted growth factor, FGF3 binds to fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) to activate downstream signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. [@fgf2019]
Structure: Consists of a signal peptide, FGF family domain, and heparin-binding domain
Receptors: FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR4
Normal Function
FGF3 functions as a mitogenic factor that activates FGFR signaling pathways: [@fgf2015]
Embryonic Development: Critical for inner ear development, branchial arch morphogenesis, and neural crest cell proliferation. FGF3 (along with FGF8) is responsible for induction of the inner ear otic placode.
Cellular Proliferation: Stimulates cell division in various tissues including neural progenitor cells
Differentiation: Promotes differentiation of mesenchymal and neuronal cells
Angiogenesis: Contributes to blood vessel formation in developing tissues
FGF3 activates multiple downstream signaling pathways including MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, and PLCĪ³ pathways, which regulate cell growth, survival, and differentiation. [@fgfr2018]
Role in the Nervous System
During nervous system development, FGF3 plays critical roles: [@fgf2012]
Inner Ear Development: Essential for induction and patterning of the inner ear. Mutations in FGF3 cause inner ear agenesis and syndromic deafness (LAMM syndrome).
Neural Tube Patterning: Participates in anterior neural ridge patterning and forebrain development
Neurogenesis: Acts as a mitogen promoting expansion of neural stem cell populations during development
In the adult brain, FGF3 is expressed in regions including the [hippocampus](/brain-regions/hippocampus), [cortex](/brain-regions/cortex), and cerebellum, where it continues to play roles in synaptic plasticity and neuronal function. [@therapeutic2020]
Role in Neurodegeneration
FGF3 has emerging connections to neurodegenerative diseases: [@fgf2021]
Alzheimer's Disease
FGF3 expression is altered in AD brain tissue and may participate in aberrant cell cycle re-entry in [neurons](/entities/neurons)
The protein's role in cell survival signaling could be relevant to [amyloid-beta](/proteins/amyloid-beta) induced neurotoxicity
May interact with other growth factors to modulate [tau](/proteins/tau) pathology
Parkinson's Disease
FGF3/FGFR signaling may influence dopaminergic neuron survival
The protein's involvement in cellular stress responses could be relevant to PD pathogenesis
FGF3 signaling may influence neuroinflammation processes