The role of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b in skin homeostasis and cancer development

February 2007 in “ The EMBO Journal ”

Richard Grose, Vera Fantl, Sabine Werner, Athina‐Myrto Chioni, Monika Jarosz, Robert J. Rudling, Barbara Cross, Ian R. Hart, Clive Dickson

The study explored the role of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (Fgfr2b) in skin homeostasis and cancer development using mouse models. Mice lacking Fgfr2b in the epidermis showed significant abnormalities in hair and sebaceous gland development, epidermal hyperthickening, and increased susceptibility to skin cancer, with 10% developing spontaneous papillomas. These mice were more sensitive to chemical carcinogens, leading to oncogenic mutations and progression to squamous cell carcinoma. The absence of Fgfr2b resulted in heightened skin inflammation and altered gene expression, suggesting its tumor-suppressive role in maintaining skin integrity and preventing cancer.

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