Description
FGF4, also named FGF-K and K-FGF, belongs to the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. By signaling through the FGF R1c, 2c, 3c and 4 receptors, FGF-4 has functions that maintain a population of progenitor cells in the epiblast that generates mesoderm, and contribute to the stem cell population that is incorporated in the tailbud. It is also required for axial elongation of the mouse embryo after gastrulation. Mature human FGF-4 (71-206 a.a.) shares 91 %, 82 %, 94 % and 91 % a.a. identity with Mouse, rat, canine and bovine FGF-4. Additionally, FGF-4 shares about 30 % sequence identity with the prototypical members of the FGF family