| FGF9 — Glial-Activating Factor | |
|---|---|
| Protein Name | FGF9 |
| Gene | FGF9 |
| UniProt ID | P31360 |
| Molecular Weight | ~23 kDa (208 amino acids) |
| Subcellular Localization | Secreted, Extracellular space |
| Protein Family | FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) family |
| Structure | Beta-trefoil fold |
| Associated Diseases | Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis |
FGF9 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 9), also known as Glial-Activating Factor (GAF), is a member of the FGF family of growth factors. Encoded by the FGF9 gene, this protein is notable for its unique receptor binding profile and its role in glial cell biology [1][2].
FGF9 was originally identified for its ability to stimulate the proliferation of glial cells, particularly astrocytes and Schwann cells. This activity led to its designation as Glial-Activating Factor [3].
Like other FGFs, FGF9 adopts the characteristic beta-trefoil structure:
FGFR3 Specificity
Heparin Independence
FGF9 activates:
FGF9 in AD:
Astrogliosis
Neuroinflammation
In PD:
FGF9 in MS:
Naruo et al., Novel growth factor receptors (1993). FEBS Letters, 1993.
Matsumoto et al., FGF9 as a neuronal growth factor (1994). Science, 1994.
FGF9 in brain development and disease (2011). Neuroscience, 2011.
FGF9 signaling in glia (2018). Glia, 2018.
FGF9 UniProt Entry P31360. UniProt, 2024.