FGF-10

FGF-10, also termed KGF-2, is the mesenchymal partner of epithelial FGFR2b and a key architect of branching organs. It controls limb-bud initiation, lung branching morphogenesis, lacrimal and salivary gland development, and hair follicle formation. Heterozygous FGF10 mutations cause lacrimo-auriculo-dento-digital (LADD) syndrome, and complete FGF10 deficiency underlies autosomal-recessive aplasia of the lacrimal and salivary glands. In adults, FGF-10 promotes epithelial repair in lung and cornea and is being explored as a therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and dry-eye disease. Recombinant FGF-10 is standard in lung organoid budding assays, epithelial culture and FGFR2b-specific binding studies.