FGF-18: Proteins and Enzymes

FGF-18 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 18) is a secreted protein that plays an important role in skeletal development and bone homeostasis. It is expressed in embryonic somites and the neural fold, adult lung, cerebellar and hippocampal neurons, hair follicle root sheath cells, and osteogenic mesenchymal cells.

FGF-18 binds to FGF R2c, FGF R3c as well as the Golgi protein GLG1 and induces the proliferation of astrocytes and microglia, vascular endothelial cells, dermal fibroblasts, papilla cells, and keratinocytes. FGF-18 recruits osteoclasts and osteoblasts to the growth plate, promotes osteoclast formation and function, inhibits osteoblast differentiation, promotes skeletal vascularization, and induces chondrocyte hypertrophy and cartilage matrix formation.