FGF signaling pathways in endochondral and intramembranous bone development and human genetic disease

Over the last decade the identification of mutations in the receptors for fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) has defined essential roles for FGF signaling in both endochondral and intramembranous bone development. FGF signaling pathways are essential for the earliest stages of limb development and throughout skeletal development. In this review, we examine the role of FGF signaling in bone development and in human genetic diseases that affect bone development. We also explore what is presently known about how FGF signaling pathways interact with other major signaling pathways that regulate chondrogenesis and osteogenesis.