FGF18
Description
The FGF18 (fibroblast growth factor 18) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 5.
Fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF-18) is a protein encoded by the FGF18 gene in humans. It was discovered in 1998 and belongs to the FGF8 subfamily, which includes FGF8, FGF17, and FGF18. FGF18 promotes chondrogenesis, particularly the formation of hyaline cartilage in joints. It is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, which plays a broad role in cell growth, development, and tissue repair. FGF18 signals through FGFRs, primarily FGFR3c, and has been shown to stimulate cartilage thickening. A recombinant form of FGF18 (sprifermin) is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Studies have shown that FGF18 can delay the progression of OA-related pain and potentially reduce the need for joint replacement surgery.
FGF18 is also known as FGF-18, ZFGF5.
