David M. Ornitz, MD, PhD

Alumni Endowed Professor of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology

Washington University in St. Louis (WU)

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are essential molecules for mammalian development. Members of the FGF family regulate cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. Engineered mutations in the genes encoding several FGFs and FGF receptors (FGFRs) result in developmental defects and/or embryonic lethality. Additionally, gain of function point mutations in the genes encoding FGFRs 1, 2 and 3 result in hereditary craniofacial and skeletal dysplasias in humans.