Analysis Note

The biological activity is measured in a bioassay using BALB/3T3 cells.

Application

FGF9 (fibroblast growth factor 9) has been used for the culture of embryonic Sertoli cells obtained from E14.5 testes.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Mitogenic for glial cells, fibroblasts, and oligodendrocyte type 2 astrocyte progenitor cells; not mitogenic for endothelial cells. Like aFGF and bFGF, FGF-9 has no secretory signal sequence.

FGF9 (fibroblast growth factor 9) is expressed in the epithelium and mesothelium of developing lung in the pseudoglandular stage. In developing lungs, it regulates the branching of epithelium, proliferation of mesenchymal cells, and expansion of the lungs. It is overexpressed in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), in regions demonstrating active cell hyperplasia, metaplasia and fibrosis. Thus, it might facilitate the pathogenesis of IPF. The expression of this protein is up-regulated in colon cancer, which is an outcome of hypoxia-induced translational activation.

General description

FGF9 (fibroblast growth factor 9) is a member of the FGF family, which consists of a minimum of 24 members. This protein is highly conserved across species, and the gene is localized to human chromosome 13q11-q12. In embryos, FGF9 mRNA has a ubiquitous expression pattern. In adults, this protein has a limited range of expression in normal conditions, and expression is usually restricted to brain, kidney and uterus.

Physical form

Lyophilized from a 0.2 µm filtered solution in phosphate buffered saline containing 1.25 mg bovine serum albumin.