fgf receptors (FGFRs) - Cancer Science

Introduction to FGFRs

FGF receptors (FGFRs) are a family of receptor tyrosine kinases that play crucial roles in developmental processes and tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of FGFR signaling is implicated in various cancers, making them significant targets for therapeutic interventions.

What are FGFRs?

FGFRs are transmembrane proteins that bind to fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) to initiate a signaling cascade. There are four main types of FGFRs: FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and FGFR4. Each receptor type can bind to different FGFs, leading to diverse biological outcomes.

How do FGFRs contribute to cancer?

Alterations in FGFRs such as mutations, amplifications, and fusions can result in uncontrolled cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis, contributing to cancer development and progression. For instance, FGFR1 amplification has been observed in breast cancer, while FGFR2 mutations are common in endometrial cancer.

What types of cancers are associated with FGFR alterations?

FGFR alterations have been identified in a variety of cancers, including but not limited to:

What are the therapeutic strategies targeting FGFRs?

Therapeutic strategies targeting FGFRs include small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and ligand traps. Small molecule inhibitors like Erdafitinib and Pemigatinib have shown efficacy in treating cancers with FGFR alterations.

What are the challenges in targeting FGFRs?

Challenges in targeting FGFRs include the development of resistance to FGFR inhibitors, toxicity due to off-target effects, and the complexity of FGFR signaling pathways. Combination therapies and personalized medicine approaches are being explored to overcome these challenges.

Conclusion

FGFRs play a pivotal role in cancer biology, and targeting them offers promising therapeutic potential. Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to enhance our understanding and ability to effectively target FGFRs in various cancers.



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