Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR-4) is aprotein that in humans is encoded by theFGFR4gene. FGFR4 has also been designated asCD334 (cluster of differentiation 334).
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the fibroblast growth factor receptor family, whereamino acid sequence is highly conserved between members and throughout evolution. FGFR family members differ from one another in theirligand affinities and tissue distribution. A full-length representative protein would consist of an extracellular region, composed of threeimmunoglobulin-like domains, a singlehydrophobic membrane-spanning segment and acytoplasmictyrosine kinase domain. The extracellular portion of the protein interacts with fibroblast growth factors, setting in motion a cascade of downstream signals, ultimately influencing mitogenesis and differentiation. The genomic organization of this gene, compared to members 1-3, encompasses 18exons rather than 19 or 20. Althoughalternative splicing has been observed, there is no evidence that theC-terminal half of theIgIII domain of this protein varies between three alternate forms, as indicated for members 1-3. This particular family member preferentially binds acidic fibroblast growth factor and, although its specific function is unknown, it is overexpressed in gynecological tumor samples, suggesting a role in breast and ovarian tumorigenesis.[5] In a meta-analisis study, the functional polymorphism Gly388Arg (rs351855) of FGFR4 was observed to be significantly associated with nodal involvement and overall survival in patients with different types of cancer.[6]
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 has been shown tointeract withFGF1.[7][8]
This article incorporates text from theUnited States National Library of Medicine, which is in thepublic domain.
