FGF-22: Proteins and Enzymes

Fibroblast growth factor-22 (FGF-22) is a 23 kDa, nonglycosylated member of the FGF-7 subfamily, FGF family of heparin-binding growth factors. The human FGF-22 precursor is 170 amino acids (aa) in length, and contains a 22 aa signal sequence with a 148 aa mature region.

FGF-22 is synthesized by at least three cell types; keratinocytes, neurons, and skeletal muscle myotubes. In neurons and myotubes, FGF-22 is presumed to function as an organizer of the presynaptic apparatus. Expressed by postsynaptic (or target) cells, FGF-22 is believed to bind to FGF R2b on the surface of innervating processes, resulting in synaptic vesicle clustering, organization, and neurite branching. Although FGF-22 is assumed to be secreted, little can be found in expressing cell culture media. It thought to be bound to 34 kDa FGF-BP1, which is a molecule described as typically associated with cell membrane proteoglycans. Thus, following secretion, FGF-22 could quickly be immobilized by FGF-BP1, only to be released at a later time, or aided by FGF-BP1 in its interaction with FGF R2b.