Normal Function
The FGF3 gene provides instructions for making a protein called fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGF3). This protein is part of a family of proteins called fibroblast growth factors that are involved in important processes such as cell division, regulation of cell growth and maturation, formation of blood vessels, wound healing, and development before birth. By attaching to another protein known as a receptor, FGF3 triggers a cascade of chemical reactions inside the cell that signal the cell to undergo certain changes, such as maturing to take on specialized functions. During development before birth, the signals triggered by the FGF3 protein stimulate cells to form the structures that make up the inner ears. The FGF3 protein is also involved in the development of many other organs and structures, including the outer ears and teeth.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Congenital deafness with labyrinthine aplasia, microtia, and microdontia
Mutations in the FGF3 gene cause a condition known as congenital deafness with labyrinthine aplasia, microtia, and microdontia (also known as LAMM syndrome). The features of this condition include deafness caused by a lack of inner ear structures (labyrinthine aplasia), small outer ears (microtia), and small teeth (microdontia). The gene mutations involved in LAMM syndrome change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the FGF3 protein or lead to an abnormally short protein. The altered protein likely has reduced or absent function, making it unable to stimulate signaling within cells. The loss of FGF3 function impairs development of the ears and teeth, which leads to the characteristic features of LAMM syndrome.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- FGF-3
- FGF3_HUMAN
- HBGF-3
- heparin-binding growth factor 3
- INT-2 proto-oncogene protein
- INT2
- murine mammary tumor virus integration site 2, mouse
- oncogene INT2
- proto-oncogene Int-2
- V-INT2 murine mammary tumor virus integration site oncogene homolog
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Hatch EP, Noyes CA, Wang X, Wright TJ, Mansour SL. Fgf3 is required for dorsal patterning and morphogenesis of the inner ear epithelium. Development. 2007 Oct;134(20):3615-25. doi: 10.1242/dev.006627. Epub 2007 Sep 12. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Kettunen P, Laurikkala J, Itaranta P, Vainio S, Itoh N, Thesleff I. Associations of FGF-3 and FGF-10 with signaling networks regulating tooth morphogenesis. Dev Dyn. 2000 Nov;219(3):322-32. doi: 10.1002/1097-0177(2000)9999:99993.0.CO;2-J. Citation on PubMed
- Tekin M, Hismi BO, Fitoz S, Ozdag H, Cengiz FB, Sirmaci A, Aslan I, Inceoglu B, Yuksel-Konuk EB, Yilmaz ST, Yasun O, Akar N. Homozygous mutations in fibroblast growth factor 3 are associated with a new form of syndromic deafness characterized by inner ear agenesis, microtia, and microdontia. Am J Hum Genet. 2007 Feb;80(2):338-44. doi: 10.1086/510920. Epub 2006 Dec 27. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Zelarayan LC, Vendrell V, Alvarez Y, Dominguez-Frutos E, Theil T, Alonso MT, Maconochie M, Schimmang T. Differential requirements for FGF3, FGF8 and FGF10 during inner ear development. Dev Biol. 2007 Aug 15;308(2):379-91. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.05.033. Epub 2007 Jun 2. Citation on PubMed
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