Gene Symbol: FGF5
Path: /genes/fgf5
Also Known As: HBGF-5, TCMGLY, Smag-82, Zigzag [@fgf2019]
Overview
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 (FGF5) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family that was originally identified as an oncogene capable of inducing fibroblast transformation. It plays important roles in hair follicle development, neural development, and has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. FGF5 is a secreted growth factor that primarily binds to FGFR1 to activate signaling pathways regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. [@fgfr2018]
Structure: Contains signal peptide, FGF family domain, and C-terminal heparin-binding domain
Primary Receptor: FGFR1
Normal Function
FGF5 has diverse biological functions: [@adult2014]
Hair Follicle Development: Critical regulator of hair growth cycle, particularly anagen phase. Knockout mice exhibit abnormally long hair (trichomegaly).
Neuronal Development: Promotes proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells during embryonic development
Angiogenesis: Stimulates blood vessel formation in developing and regenerating tissues
Wound Healing: Involved in tissue repair and regeneration processes
FGF5 activates FGFR1 signaling, which triggers downstream pathways including MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, and PLCĪ³. Gene Ontology annotations indicate involvement in nervous system development and neurogenesis. [@fgf2018]
Role in the Nervous System
FGF5 plays important roles in neural development and function: [@astrocyte2020]
Neurogenesis: Promotes proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells in the developing brain
Adult Neurogenesis: Can stimulate neurogenesis in the hippocampal region, which is important for learning and memory
Synaptic Plasticity: Influences synaptic formation and function in various brain regions
Glial Function: Expressed in [astrocytes](/entities/astrocytes) and may influence astrocyte function
In the adult brain, FGF5 is expressed in the hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum, where it contributes to neuronal maintenance and plasticity. [@neurotrophic2017]
Role in Neurodegeneration
FGF5 has several connections to neurodegenerative processes: [@fgf2012]
Alzheimer's Disease
FGF5 is expressed in astrocytes and may influence neuroinflammation in AD brain
Altered expression patterns observed in AD brain tissue
May interact with [amyloid-beta](/proteins/amyloid-beta) pathology through glial-mediated processes
Potential role in aberrant cell cycle re-entry in [neurons](/entities/neurons)
Parkinson's Disease
May affect dopaminergic neuron survival through FGFR1 signaling
FGF5 expression can be modulated by neuronal injury
May participate in neuroinflammatory responses in PD
Neuroprotective Properties
FGF5 exhibits neurotrophic effects: [@fgf2016]
Promotes neuron survival under various stress conditions
Can enhance synaptic plasticity
Supports adult hippocampal neurogenesis
May improve cognitive function in neurodegenerative models
Cross-References
[FGF Signaling Pathway in Neurodegeneration](/mechanisms/fgf-signaling-neurodegeneration)