Fibroblast growth factors and pancreas organogenesis

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are growth factors that regulate many important biological processes, including proliferation and differentiation of embryonic cells during organogenesis. In this review, we have summarized current information about the role of FGFs in pancreas organogenesis. The pancreas organogenesis is a complex process, which involves constant signaling from mesenchymal tissue and activation of various genes regulating particular stages thus determining specification of progenitor cells. Changes in the FGF/FGFR signaling pathway during this process result in incorrect activation of master genes, leading to different pathologies in pancreas development. Understanding the full picture about the role of FGFs in pancreas development will help better understanding of their role in other pathologies of the pancres, including carcinogenesis.