The FGF/FGFR system in the physiopathology of the prostate gland

Physiol Rev. 2021 Apr 1;101(2):569-610. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00005.2020. Epub 2020 Jul 30.

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of proteins possessing paracrine, autocrine, or endocrine functions in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, angiogenesis, tissue homeostasis, wound repair, and cancer. Canonical FGFs bind and activate tyrosine kinase FGF receptors (FGFRs), triggering intracellular signaling cascades that mediate their biological activity. Experimental evidence indicates that FGFs play a complex role in the physiopathology of the prostate gland that ranges from essential functions during embryonic development to modulation of neoplastic transformation. The use of ligand- and receptor-deleted mouse models has highlighted the requirement for FGF signaling in the normal development of the prostate gland. In adult prostate, the maintenance of a functional FGF/FGFR signaling axis is critical for organ homeostasis and function, as its disruption leads to prostate hyperplasia and may contribute to cancer progression and metastatic dissemination. Dissection of the molecular landscape modulated by the FGF family will facilitate ongoing translational efforts directed toward prostate cancer therapy.

Keywords: FGF; cancer; development; nonmalignant pathology; physiology; prostate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / physiology
  • Male
  • Prostate / growth & development
  • Prostate / physiology*
  • Prostate / physiopathology*
  • Prostatic Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / physiology*

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors