Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling Crosstalk in Skeletogenesis

Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling controls a number of cellular processes. These functions are mediated by four FGFRs that are members of the receptor tyrosine kinase family. Studies of genetic models in mice and humans with FGFR mutations have provided evidence that inappropriate FGFR activity results in skeletal dysplasias. This Review, with three figures and 60 citations, describes the roles of FGFR signaling in determining skeletal cell fate and highlights how FGFR signaling cooperates with other signaling networks to control mesenchymal cell fate and differentiation. This crosstalk has important implications in potential treatment of skeletal disorders resulting from aberrant FGFR signaling.