NCBI Summary:
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. FGF family members possess broad mitogenic and cell survival activities, and are involved in a variety of biological processes including embryonic development cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth and invasion. This gene was shown to be prominently expressed in the cerebellum and cortex. The mouse homolog of this gene was localized to specific sites in the midline structures of the forebrain, the midbrain-hindbrain junction, developing skeleton and developing arteries, which suggests a role in central nervous system, bone and vascular development. This gene was referred to as FGF-13 in reference 2, however, its amino acid sequence and chromosomal localization are identical to FGF17. [provided by RefSeq]
General function
Ligand, Growth factor
Comment
Cellular localization
Secreted
Comment
Ovarian function
Steroid metabolism
Comment
Expression regulated by
Comment
Ovarian localization
Oocyte, Granulosa, Theca
Comment
Regulation and action of fibroblast growth factor 17 in bovine follicles. Machado M et al. Fibroblast growth factor 17 (FGF17) is a member of the FGF8 subfamily that appears to be relevant to folliculogenesis and oogenesis as the prototype member, FGF8, is an oocyte-derived protein that signals to cumulus cells. FGF8 has structural and receptor-binding similarities to FGF17, whose expression in the ovary has not been reported. In this study, we demonstrate localization of FGF17 protein to the oocyte of preantral follicles, and to the oocyte and granulosa cells of antral follicles. Real-time PCR demonstrated the presence of mRNA in oocytes and, to a lesser extent, in granulosa and theca cells. FGF17 mRNA abundance was low in granulosa and theca cells from healthy follicles and increased significantly in atretic follicles. Addition of FSH or IGF1 to granulosa cells in vitro decreased FGF17 mRNA abundance, and treatment with FGF17 inhibited estradiol and progesterone secretion from granulosa cells in relation to control cultures without these additives. We conclude that FGF17 is a potential mediator of granulosa cell differentiation.