User:Michaelakinsky
Fibroblast growth factor 8, or commonly known as FGF-8 is a signaling molecule that is involved in many processes of a developing fetuses. It is known as a signaling molecule because during development FGF-8 will bind to FGF-1 which triggers the development of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This gene is involved in cell differentiation, cell migration as well as cell proliferation. FGF-8 plays numerous roles in the development of organ systems, the most notable one being the production and regulation of the hindbrain. FGF-8 is also important for the production of the heart, limbs, ears and eyes, as well as the development of the olfactory bulb. There are many associated defects with FGF-8. One of the main types of defects is called Kallman syndrome. If there is a mutation in the gene, FGF-8 cannot bind to FGF-1. Since this is essential in order to produce GnRH, people with this syndrome have a loss of sexual development, meaning puberty can be delayed or completely absent. It is also associated with the loss of smell since there is a disruption in producing the olfactory bulb. With FGF-8 there have been studies for gene knockout in specifics for molar development and hair patterns but nothing on the actual development of hindbrain or key organ systems.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2016, December 16). FGF8 gene: Medlineplus genetics. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/fgf8/
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Hao Y, Tang S, Yuan Y, Liu R, Chen Q (March 2019). "Roles of FGF8 subfamily in embryogenesis and oral‑maxillofacial diseases (Review)". International Journal of Oncology. 54 (3): 797–806. doi:10.3892/ijo.2019.4677. PMID 30628659.
Ratzan EM, Moon AM, Deans MR. Fgf8 genetic labeling reveals the early specification of vestibular hair cell type in mouse utricle. Development. 2020 Nov 19;147(22):dev192849. doi: 10.1242/dev.192849. PMID: 33046506; PMCID: PMC7687870.