Cell Type-Dependent Nonspecific Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling in Apert Syndrome

FGF19 protects against obesity-induced bone loss by promoting osteogenic differentiation

Human fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) has become a potential therapeutic target for metabolic-related diseases. However, the effects of FGF19 on obesity-induced bone loss have not been completely elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of FGF19 in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice and palmitic acid (PA)-treated osteoblasts and to further explore its underlying mechanisms. In vivo, we found that FGF19 alleviated the decreased bone mineral density (BMD) induced by HFD. Micro-CT analysis of femur samples and histological analysis indicated that FGF19 alleviated HFD-induced loss of bone trabeculae and damage to the bone trabecular structure. In vitro, the results suggested that FGF19 ameliorated the PA-induced decline in osteoblast proliferation, increased cell death and impaired cell morphology. Additionally, FGF19 protected against the decline in activation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and protein expression of Collagen-1, Runx-2, and osteopontin (OPN) induced by PA. Furthermore, FGF19 might enhance osteogenic differentiation via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inhibit osteoclastogenesis by regulating the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) axis, thus attenuating the negative effect of PA in osteoblasts. In conclusion, our results suggested that FGF19 might promote osteogenic differentiation partially through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and alleviate obesity-induced bone loss.

Role of the fibroblast growth factor 19 in the skeletal system

Fibroblast growth factor family (FGFs) is a kind of cytokine that plays an important role in growth, development, metabolism and disease. During bone development, multiple FGFs and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) play important roles. Previous reports have elucidated the great importance of FGF1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 18 in bone development, and FGF21 and 23 in bone homeostasis and bone regulation. FGF19 was initially found in the human foetal brain, and its gene location is related to osteoporosis pseudoglioma syndrome. Presently, gene chip detection has repeatedly found that FGF19 shows spatiotemporal specificity of gene expression in bone development and bone-related diseases, as well as differences in the protein level, indicating that FGF19 affects the skeletal system. Considering the current insufficient understanding of FGF19 and its potential function in the skeletal system, this review aims to introduce the background of FGF19 in bone, summarise the research progress of FGF19 in the skeletal system, and discuss the role and therapeutic potential of FGF19 in bone development and bone-related diseases.

Apert Syndrome With FGFR2 758 C > G Mutation: A Chinese Case Report

Background: Apert syndrome is considered as one of the most common craniosynostosis syndromes with a prevalence of 1 in 65,000 individuals, and has a close relationship with point mutations in FGFR2 gene.

Case report: Here, we described a Apert syndrome case, who was referred to genetic consultation in our hospital with the symptom of craniosynostosis and syndactyly of the hands and feet. Craniosynostosis, midfacial retrusion, steep wide forehead, larger head circumference, marked depression of the nasal bridge, short and wide nose and proptosis could be found obviously, apart from these, ears were mildly low compared with normal children and there was no cleft lip and palate. Mutation was identified by sanger sequencing and a mutation in the exon 7 of FGFR2 gene was detected: p.Pro253Arg (P253R) 758 C > G, which was not found in his parents.

Conclusion: The baby had Apert syndrome caused by 758 C > G mutation in the exon 7 of FGFR2 gene, considering no this mutation in his parents, it was spontaneous.