Role of FGF-2/FGFR signaling pathway in cancer and its signification in breast cancer

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is a member of a large family of proteins that bind heparin and heparan sulfate and modulate the function of a wide range of cell types. It has been proved that FGF-2 stimulates the growth and development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) that contribute to the pathogenesis of several diseases (i.e. cancer, atherosclerosis). However, many of the biological activities of FGF-2 have been found to depend on its receptor’s intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and second messengers such as the mitogen activated protein kinases. This review will focus on the mechanism of FGF-2/FGFR induced signaling pathway in tumor and human breast cancer.