The FGF (fibroblast growth factor) and FGFR (fibroblast growth factor receptor) superfamilies are closely related growth factors and growth factor receptors, respectively, and play crucial roles in various biological processes, including development, tissue repair, and cell growth. The FGF superfamily consists of a group of 22 secreted proteins involved in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. They also play essential roles in embryonic development and tissue repair processes. FGFs bind to specific cell surface receptors called FGFRs to initiate signalling cascades within cells. FGFs are highly diverse in their functions and can act on multiple cell types, including epithelial, endothelial, and mesenchymal cells. The FGFR superfamily comprises four highly conserved transmembrane receptor proteins, known as fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR1-4) which bind to and are activated by FGFs. They are tyrosine kinase receptors spanning the cell membrane and have extracellular ligand-binding domains that bind FGFs. Receptor dimerization is necessary for activation following ligand binding. FGF signalling can promote the proliferation and survival of cancer cells and otherwise promote tumour formation in multiple ways by activating downstream signalling pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. FGF signalling has been implicated in several tumour-promoting processes: 1) FGF signalling is involved in angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels are formed. FGFs can promote the growth of blood vessels in tumours, supplying nutrients and oxygen to support tumour growth and metastasis; 2) promoting the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). FGF signalling can induce EMT, a process in which epithelial cells lose their characteristics and acquire a more invasive mesenchymal phenotype. This transition enhances cancer cell migration and invasiveness, allowing them to invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant organs; 3) Promoting tumour-stromal interactions. FGF signalling can influence the communication between cancer cells and the surrounding tumour microenvironment. FGFs secreted by cancer cells stimulate the activation of fibroblasts and other stromal cells, leading to the production of growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix components that further support tumour growth and invasion; 4) Acquisition of drug resistance. FGF signalling has been associated with resistance to certain cancer therapies; 5) Promoting cancer stem cell maintenance. FGF signalling has been implicated in the maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are a subpopulation of tumour cells with self-renewal and tumour-initiating capabilities. FGF signalling pathways can regulate CSC self-renewal, survival, and differentiation, contributing to tumour heterogeneity and therapy resistance. We provide a comprehensive product range of research reagents for investigating FGF, including FGFR1 antibodies, FGF 23 antibodies, FGFR2 antibodies, FGF21 ELISA Kits, and FGF10 ELISA Kits. Explore our full FGF product range below and discover more, for less.