FGF-20

FGF-20 is a brain-enriched ligand with a well-defined neuroprotective role. It is expressed in the substantia nigra, where it promotes the survival and neurite outgrowth of dopaminergic neurons through FGFR1c, and it is also found in cerebellum and cortex. Genetic association studies have repeatedly linked variants in the FGF20 region, including a polymorphism in an miR-433 binding site, to Parkinson's disease risk. FGF-20 additionally supports hair-follicle and inner-ear cell survival. Recombinant FGF-20 is used in dopaminergic neuron cultures and Parkinson's disease models, neuroprotection assays and studies of FGF signaling in the central nervous system.