The human FGF-8 recombinant protein consists of a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 194 amino acids.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 (FGF8) plays a crucial role in early vertebrate brain patterning, with its inhibition leading to the absence of mesencephalic and cerebellar regions and resulting in early embryonic death. FGF8 can bind to all four FGF receptors, triggering the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and activating the RAS-MAPK pathway. This growth factor, along with others like Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), is essential for the specification and differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons.

Synonyms:

Fibroblast growth factor 8, FGF8B, FGF-8B, FGF8-B, KAL6, HBGF-8, HBGF8, AIGF, HBGF-8