The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Geoffrey S. Pitt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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polarized localization of voltage gated na channels is regulated by concerted fgf13 and FGF14 action
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2016Co-Authors: Juan Pablo, Chaojian Wang, Matthew M Presby, Geoffrey S. PittAbstract:Clustering of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) within the neuronal axon initial segment (AIS) is critical for efficient action potential initiation. Although initially inserted into both somatodendritic and axonal membranes, VGSCs are concentrated within the axon through mechanisms that include preferential axonal targeting and selective somatodendritic endocytosis. How the endocytic machinery specifically targets somatic VGSCs is unknown. Here, using knockdown strategies, we show that noncanonical FGF13 binds directly to VGSCs in hippocampal neurons to limit their somatodendritic surface expression, although exerting little effect on VGSCs within the AIS. In contrast, homologous FGF14, which is highly concentrated in the proximal axon, binds directly to VGSCs to promote their axonal localization. Single-point mutations in FGF13 or FGF14 abrogating VGSC interaction in vitro cannot support these specific functions in neurons. Thus, our data show how the concerted actions of FGF13 and FGF14 regulate the polarized localization of VGSCs that supports efficient action potential initiation.
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FGF14 modulates resurgent sodium current in mouse cerebellar purkinje neurons
eLife, 2014Co-Authors: Haidun Yan, Juan Pablo, Chaojian Wang, Geoffrey S. PittAbstract:Rapid firing of cerebellar Purkinje neurons is facilitated in part by a voltage-gated Na(+) (NaV) 'resurgent' current, which allows renewed Na(+) influx during membrane repolarization. Resurgent current results from unbinding of a blocking particle that competes with normal channel inactivation. The underlying molecular components contributing to resurgent current have not been fully identified. In this study, we show that the NaV channel auxiliary subunit FGF14 'b' isoform, a locus for inherited spinocerebellar ataxias, controls resurgent current and repetitive firing in Purkinje neurons. FGF14 knockdown biased NaV channels towards the inactivated state by decreasing channel availability, diminishing the 'late' NaV current, and accelerating channel inactivation rate, thereby reducing resurgent current and repetitive spiking. Critical for these effects was both the alternatively spliced FGF14b N-terminus and direct interaction between FGF14b and the NaV C-terminus. Together, these data suggest that the FGF14b N-terminus is a potent regulator of resurgent NaV current in cerebellar Purkinje neurons.
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fibroblast growth factor homologous factors in the heart a potential locus for cardiac arrhythmias
Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2011Co-Authors: Adam S Barnett, Geoffrey S. Pitt, Jessica A. HennesseyAbstract:The four fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHFs; FGF11-FGF14) are intracellular proteins that bind and modulate voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs). Although FHFs have been well studied in neurons and implicated in neurologic disease, their role in cardiomyocytes was unclear until recently. This review discusses the expression profile and function of FHFs in mouse and rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. Recent data show that FGF13 is the predominant FHF in the murine heart, directly binds the cardiac VGSC α subunit, and is essential for normal cardiac conduction. FHF loss-of-function mutations may be unrecognized causes of cardiac arrhythmias, such as long QT and Brugada syndromes.
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FGF13 is a Regulator of the Cardiac Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Nav1.5
Biophysical Journal, 2011Co-Authors: Chuan Wang, Jessica A. Hennessey, Robert D. Kirkton, Chaojian Wang, Victoria Bryson, Paul B. Rosenberg, Nenad Bursac, Geoffrey S. PittAbstract:The four members of the intracellular Fibroblast Growth Factor (iFGF) subfamily, FGF11-14, regulate voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels. A missense mutation in FGF14 causes spinocerebellar ataxia 27, thought to be due to Nav channel dysfunction. iFGFs are expressed in the heart, but whether they regulate cardiac Nav channels is not known. Using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, we identified that FGF13 isoforms are the dominant iFGFs in adult mouse heart. Using whole cell patch-clamp configuration, we determined a functional link between FGF13 and Nav1.5. We found that the FGF13 isoforms, FGF13S, FGF13U, and FGF13VY differentially modulate Nav1.5 current density when transiently co-expressed in HEK293 cells. Steady-state activation was not altered. In contrast, steady-state availability was significantly shifted towards the depolarizing direction by each of the FGF13 isoforms. Most strikingly, FGF13S induced a dramatic slowing of recovery from inactivation. Co-immunoprecipitation showed that FGF13 interacted with Nav1.5 in cardiomyocytes. Using a pull down assay, we found that FGF13 directly interacted with C-terminus of Nav1.5. Immunostaining showed that FGF13 co-localized with Nav1.5 on sarcolemma. Some FGF13 is present in subcellular regions devoid of Nav1.5, suggesting other roles than sodium channel modulation. FGF13 knockdown by adenoviral infection with shRNA in adult mice cardiomyocytes affected sodium current density and steady-state availability. FGF13 knockdown in a neonatal rat cardiomyocyte monolayer reduced cardiac impulse conduction and the velocity of the action potential upstroke. These data are the first report of FGF13 as regulator of Nav1.5 in heart and suggest that FGF13 isoform-specific regulation of cardiac Nav channels plays important physiological and pathophysiological roles.
Chaojian Wang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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polarized localization of voltage gated na channels is regulated by concerted fgf13 and FGF14 action
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2016Co-Authors: Juan Pablo, Chaojian Wang, Matthew M Presby, Geoffrey S. PittAbstract:Clustering of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) within the neuronal axon initial segment (AIS) is critical for efficient action potential initiation. Although initially inserted into both somatodendritic and axonal membranes, VGSCs are concentrated within the axon through mechanisms that include preferential axonal targeting and selective somatodendritic endocytosis. How the endocytic machinery specifically targets somatic VGSCs is unknown. Here, using knockdown strategies, we show that noncanonical FGF13 binds directly to VGSCs in hippocampal neurons to limit their somatodendritic surface expression, although exerting little effect on VGSCs within the AIS. In contrast, homologous FGF14, which is highly concentrated in the proximal axon, binds directly to VGSCs to promote their axonal localization. Single-point mutations in FGF13 or FGF14 abrogating VGSC interaction in vitro cannot support these specific functions in neurons. Thus, our data show how the concerted actions of FGF13 and FGF14 regulate the polarized localization of VGSCs that supports efficient action potential initiation.
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FGF14 modulates resurgent sodium current in mouse cerebellar purkinje neurons
eLife, 2014Co-Authors: Haidun Yan, Juan Pablo, Chaojian Wang, Geoffrey S. PittAbstract:Rapid firing of cerebellar Purkinje neurons is facilitated in part by a voltage-gated Na(+) (NaV) 'resurgent' current, which allows renewed Na(+) influx during membrane repolarization. Resurgent current results from unbinding of a blocking particle that competes with normal channel inactivation. The underlying molecular components contributing to resurgent current have not been fully identified. In this study, we show that the NaV channel auxiliary subunit FGF14 'b' isoform, a locus for inherited spinocerebellar ataxias, controls resurgent current and repetitive firing in Purkinje neurons. FGF14 knockdown biased NaV channels towards the inactivated state by decreasing channel availability, diminishing the 'late' NaV current, and accelerating channel inactivation rate, thereby reducing resurgent current and repetitive spiking. Critical for these effects was both the alternatively spliced FGF14b N-terminus and direct interaction between FGF14b and the NaV C-terminus. Together, these data suggest that the FGF14b N-terminus is a potent regulator of resurgent NaV current in cerebellar Purkinje neurons.
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FGF13 is a Regulator of the Cardiac Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Nav1.5
Biophysical Journal, 2011Co-Authors: Chuan Wang, Jessica A. Hennessey, Robert D. Kirkton, Chaojian Wang, Victoria Bryson, Paul B. Rosenberg, Nenad Bursac, Geoffrey S. PittAbstract:The four members of the intracellular Fibroblast Growth Factor (iFGF) subfamily, FGF11-14, regulate voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels. A missense mutation in FGF14 causes spinocerebellar ataxia 27, thought to be due to Nav channel dysfunction. iFGFs are expressed in the heart, but whether they regulate cardiac Nav channels is not known. Using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, we identified that FGF13 isoforms are the dominant iFGFs in adult mouse heart. Using whole cell patch-clamp configuration, we determined a functional link between FGF13 and Nav1.5. We found that the FGF13 isoforms, FGF13S, FGF13U, and FGF13VY differentially modulate Nav1.5 current density when transiently co-expressed in HEK293 cells. Steady-state activation was not altered. In contrast, steady-state availability was significantly shifted towards the depolarizing direction by each of the FGF13 isoforms. Most strikingly, FGF13S induced a dramatic slowing of recovery from inactivation. Co-immunoprecipitation showed that FGF13 interacted with Nav1.5 in cardiomyocytes. Using a pull down assay, we found that FGF13 directly interacted with C-terminus of Nav1.5. Immunostaining showed that FGF13 co-localized with Nav1.5 on sarcolemma. Some FGF13 is present in subcellular regions devoid of Nav1.5, suggesting other roles than sodium channel modulation. FGF13 knockdown by adenoviral infection with shRNA in adult mice cardiomyocytes affected sodium current density and steady-state availability. FGF13 knockdown in a neonatal rat cardiomyocyte monolayer reduced cardiac impulse conduction and the velocity of the action potential upstroke. These data are the first report of FGF13 as regulator of Nav1.5 in heart and suggest that FGF13 isoform-specific regulation of cardiac Nav channels plays important physiological and pathophysiological roles.
Yong Teng - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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fgf19 amplification reveals an oncogenic dependency upon autocrine fgf19 fgfr4 signaling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Oncogene, 2019Co-Authors: Liwei Lang, Xiangdong Zhao, Chloe Shay, Austin Y Shull, Yong TengAbstract:The fibroblast growth factor 19 gene FGF19 has previously been reported to be amplified in several cancer types and encodes for a key autocrine signaler known to promote tumorigenic growth. Thus, it is imperative to understand which cancers are oncogenically addicted to FGF19 amplification as well as the role it serves in these cancer types. We report for the first time high FGF19 amplification in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), which is associated with increased autocrine secretion of FGF19 and poor patient outcome in HNSCC. FGF19 amplification corresponded with constitutive activation of FGF receptor 4 (FGFR4)-dependent ERK/AKT–p70S6K–S6 signaling activation in HNSCC cells, and addition of human recombinant FGF19 could promote cell proliferation and soft agar colony formation in HNSCC cells with low FGF19 expression through activation of FGFR4 and downstream signaling cascades. In contrast, FGF19 knockout counteracts the observed effects in HNSCC cells carrying high endogenous FGF19, with knockout of FGF19 significantly suppressing tumor growth in an orthotopic mouse model of HNSCC. Collectively, this study demonstrates that FGF19 gene amplification corresponds with an increased dependency upon FGF19/FGFR4 autocrine signaling in HNSCC, revealing a therapeutic target for this cancer type.
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interrupting the fgf19 fgfr4 axis to therapeutically disrupt cancer progression
Current Cancer Drug Targets, 2018Co-Authors: Liwei Lang, Austin Y Shull, Yong TengAbstract:: Coordination between the amplification of the fibroblast growth factor FGF19, overexpression of its corresponding receptor FGFR4, and hyperactivation of the downstream transmembrane enzyme β-klotho has been found to play pivotal roles in mediating tumor development and progression. Aberrant FGF19-FGFR4 signaling has been implicated in driving specific tumorigenic events including cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis resistance, and metastasis by activating a myriad of downstream signaling cascades. As an attractive target, several strategies implemented to disrupt the FGF19-FGFR4 axis have been developed in recent years, and FGF19-FGFR4 binding inhibitors are being intensely evaluated for their clinical use in treating FGF19-FGFR4 implicated cancers. Based on the established work, this review aims to detail how the FGF19-FGFR4 signaling pathway plays a vital role in cancer progression and why disrupting communication between FGF19 and FGFR4 serves as a promising therapeutic strategy for disrupting cancer progression.
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fgfr4 provides the conduit to facilitate fgf19 signaling in breast cancer progression
Molecular Carcinogenesis, 2018Co-Authors: Xiangdong Zhao, Chloe Shay, Faliang Xu, Nestor P Dominguez, Yuanping Xiong, Zhongxun Xiong, Hong Peng, Yong TengAbstract:: Although genetic amplification and overexpression of the fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) gene are found in human breast cancer, mechanisms that contribute to such functional alterations remain elusive. We report here that high expression of FGF19 is associated with the aggressive malignant behavior and poor survival outcome of breast cancer patients. FGF19 is particularly highly expressed in luminal molecular subtype of breast tumors and its expression levels are positively associated with its secretion levels from breast cancer cells. Genetic knockout of FGF19 significantly induces repression of breast tumor progression and metastasis in either an orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer or an experimental metastasis model. The FGF19 specific receptor, FGFR4, can be activated and subsequently upregulate AKT signaling in breast cancer cell upon FGF19, which is critical for oncogenic role of FGF19. Inactivation of FGFR4 by its inhibitor BLU9931 significantly attenuates FGF19-induced tumor-promoting activity, suggesting interruption of FGFR4 function is sufficient to affect FGF19-driven breast cancer. Overall, these insights support the idea that targeting FGFR4 in breast cancer cells overexpressing FGF19 may represent an effective strategy to suppress cancer development, progression, and metastasis.
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implications of fgf19 on sorafenib mediated nitric oxide production in hepatocellular carcinoma cells a short report
Cellular Oncology, 2018Co-Authors: Chloe Shay, Fenglin Lv, Xuli Wang, Yong TengAbstract:Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a primary neoplasm derived from hepatocytes, is the second leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Previous work has shown that fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), an oncogenic driver, acts as a negative regulator of the therapeutic efficacy of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib in HCC cells. The FGF19-mediated mechanism affecting sorafenib treatment, however, still remains to be resolved. Here, we hypothesize that the FGF19-FGFR4 axis may affect the effectiveness of sorafenib in the treatment of HCC.
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fgf19 protects hepatocellular carcinoma cells against endoplasmic reticulum stress via activation of fgfr4 gsk3β nrf2 signaling
Cancer Research, 2017Co-Authors: Yong Teng, Huakan Zhao, Austin Y Shull, Wenfa Zhang, Chloe ShayAbstract:The tumor microenvironment induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in tumor cells, an event that can promote progression, but it is unknown how tumor cells adapt to this stress. In this study, we show that the fibroblast growth factor FGF19, a gene frequently amplified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), facilitates a survival response to ER stress. Levels of FGF19 expression were increased in stressed HCC cells in culture and in a mouse xenograft model. Induction of ER stress required the transcription factor ATF4, which directly bound the FGF19 promoter. In cells where ER stress was induced, FGF19 overexpression promoted HCC cell survival and increased resistance to apoptosis, whereas FGF19 silencing counteracted these effects. Mechanistic investigations implicated glycogen synthase kinase-3β in regulating nuclear accumulation of the stress-regulated transcription factor Nrf2 activated by FGF19. Our findings show how FGF19 provides a cytoprotective role against ER stress by activating a FGFR4-GSK3β-Nrf2 signaling cascade, with implications for targeting this signaling node as a candidate therapeutic regimen for HCC management.
Juan Pablo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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polarized localization of voltage gated na channels is regulated by concerted fgf13 and FGF14 action
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2016Co-Authors: Juan Pablo, Chaojian Wang, Matthew M Presby, Geoffrey S. PittAbstract:Clustering of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) within the neuronal axon initial segment (AIS) is critical for efficient action potential initiation. Although initially inserted into both somatodendritic and axonal membranes, VGSCs are concentrated within the axon through mechanisms that include preferential axonal targeting and selective somatodendritic endocytosis. How the endocytic machinery specifically targets somatic VGSCs is unknown. Here, using knockdown strategies, we show that noncanonical FGF13 binds directly to VGSCs in hippocampal neurons to limit their somatodendritic surface expression, although exerting little effect on VGSCs within the AIS. In contrast, homologous FGF14, which is highly concentrated in the proximal axon, binds directly to VGSCs to promote their axonal localization. Single-point mutations in FGF13 or FGF14 abrogating VGSC interaction in vitro cannot support these specific functions in neurons. Thus, our data show how the concerted actions of FGF13 and FGF14 regulate the polarized localization of VGSCs that supports efficient action potential initiation.
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FGF14 modulates resurgent sodium current in mouse cerebellar purkinje neurons
eLife, 2014Co-Authors: Haidun Yan, Juan Pablo, Chaojian Wang, Geoffrey S. PittAbstract:Rapid firing of cerebellar Purkinje neurons is facilitated in part by a voltage-gated Na(+) (NaV) 'resurgent' current, which allows renewed Na(+) influx during membrane repolarization. Resurgent current results from unbinding of a blocking particle that competes with normal channel inactivation. The underlying molecular components contributing to resurgent current have not been fully identified. In this study, we show that the NaV channel auxiliary subunit FGF14 'b' isoform, a locus for inherited spinocerebellar ataxias, controls resurgent current and repetitive firing in Purkinje neurons. FGF14 knockdown biased NaV channels towards the inactivated state by decreasing channel availability, diminishing the 'late' NaV current, and accelerating channel inactivation rate, thereby reducing resurgent current and repetitive spiking. Critical for these effects was both the alternatively spliced FGF14b N-terminus and direct interaction between FGF14b and the NaV C-terminus. Together, these data suggest that the FGF14b N-terminus is a potent regulator of resurgent NaV current in cerebellar Purkinje neurons.
David M. Ornitz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The Fgf8 subfamily (Fgf8, Fgf17 and Fgf18) is required for closure of the embryonic ventral body wall.
Development (Cambridge England), 2020Co-Authors: Michael Boylan, Matthew J. Anderson, David M. Ornitz, Mark LewandoskiAbstract:ABSTRACT The closure of the embryonic ventral body wall in amniotes is an important morphogenetic event and is essential for life. Defects in human ventral wall closure are a major class of birth defect and a significant health burden. Despite this, very little is understood about how the ventral body wall is formed. Here, we show that fibroblast growth factor (FGF) ligands FGF8, FGF17 and FGF18 are essential for this process. Conditional mouse mutants for these genes display subtle migratory defects in the abdominal muscles of the ventral body wall and an enlarged umbilical ring, through which the internal organs are extruded. By refining where and when these genes are required using different Cre lines, we show that Fgf8 and Fgf17 are required in the presomitic mesoderm, whereas Fgf18 is required in the somites. This study identifies complex and multifactorial origins of ventral wall defects and has important implications for understanding their origins during embryonic development.
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intracellular FGF14 iFGF14 is required for spontaneous and evoked firing in cerebellar purkinje neurons and for motor coordination and balance
The Journal of Neuroscience, 2015Co-Authors: Marie K Bosch, David M. Ornitz, Yarimar Carrasquillo, Joseph L Ransdell, Ajay Kanakamedala, Jeanne M NerbonneAbstract:Mutations in FGF14, which encodes intracellular fibroblast growth factor 14 (iFGF14), have been linked to spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA27). In addition, mice lacking FGF14 (FGF14−/−) exhibit an ataxia phenotype resembling SCA27, accompanied by marked changes in the excitability of cerebellar granule and Purkinje neurons. It is not known, however, whether these phenotypes result from defects in neuronal development or if they reflect a physiological requirement for iFGF14 in the adult cerebellum. Here, we demonstrate that the acute and selective FGF14-targeted short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated in vivo “knock-down” of iFGF14 in adult Purkinje neurons attenuates spontaneous and evoked action potential firing without measurably affecting the expression or localization of voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) channels at Purkinje neuron axon initial segments. The selective shRNA-mediated in vivo “knock-down” of iFGF14 in adult Purkinje neurons also impairs motor coordination and balance. Repetitive firing can be restored in FGF14-targeted shRNA-expressing Purkinje neurons, as well as in FGF14−/− Purkinje neurons, by prior membrane hyperpolarization, suggesting that the iFGF14-mediated regulation of the excitability of mature Purkinje neurons depends on membrane potential. Further experiments revealed that the loss of iFGF14 results in a marked hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation of the Nav currents in adult Purkinje neurons. We also show here that expressing iFGF14 selectively in adult FGF14−/− Purkinje neurons rescues spontaneous firing and improves motor performance. Together, these results demonstrate that iFGF14 is required for spontaneous and evoked action potential firing in adult Purkinje neurons, thereby controlling the output of these cells and the regulation of motor coordination and balance.
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fibroblast growth factor fgf homologous factors share structural but not functional homology with fgfs
Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2003Co-Authors: Shaun K Olsen, Anna V Eliseenkova, David M. Ornitz, Mitchell Goldfarb, Meirav Garbi, Niccolo Zampieri, Moosa MohammadiAbstract:Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) interact with heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans and the extracellular domains of FGF cell surface receptors (FGFRs) to trigger receptor activation and biological responses. FGF homologous factors (FHF1–FHF4; also known as FGF11–FGF14) are related to FGFs by substantial sequence homology, yet their only documented interactions are with an intracellular kinase scaffold protein, islet brain-2 (IB2) and with voltage-gated sodium channels. In this report, we show that recombinant FHFs can bind heparin with high affinity like classical FGFs yet fail to activate any of the seven principal FGFRs. Instead, we demonstrate that FHFs bind IB2 directly, furthering the contention that FHFs and FGFs elicit their biological effects by binding to different protein partners. To understand the molecular basis for this differential target binding specificity, we elucidated the crystal structure of FHF1b to 1.7-A resolution. The FHF1b core domain assumes a -trefoil fold consisting of 12 antiparallel strands (1 through 12). The FHF1b -trefoil core is remarkably similar to that of classical FGFs and exhibits an FGF-characteristic heparin-binding surface as attested to by the number of bound sulfate ions. Using molecular modeling and structurebased mutational analysis, we identified two surface residues, Arg 52 in the 4–5 loop and Val 95 in the 9 strand of FHF1b that are required for the interaction of FHF1b with IB2. These two residues are unique to FHFs, and mutations of the corresponding residues of FGF1 to Arg and Val diminish the capacity of FGF1 to activate FGFRs, suggesting that these two FHF residues contribute to the inability of FHFs to activate FGFRs. Hence, FHFs and FGFs bear striking structural similarity but have diverged to direct related surfaces toward interaction with distinct protein targets.
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fibroblast growth factor fgf homologous factors share structural but not functional homology with fgfs
Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2003Co-Authors: Shaun K Olsen, Anna V Eliseenkova, David M. Ornitz, Mitchell Goldfarb, Meirav Garbi, Niccolo Zampieri, Moosa MohammadiAbstract:Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) interact with heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans and the extracellular domains of FGF cell surface receptors (FGFRs) to trigger receptor activation and biological responses. FGF homologous factors (FHF1-FHF4; also known as FGF11-FGF14) are related to FGFs by substantial sequence homology, yet their only documented interactions are with an intracellular kinase scaffold protein, islet brain-2 (IB2) and with voltage-gated sodium channels. In this report, we show that recombinant FHFs can bind heparin with high affinity like classical FGFs yet fail to activate any of the seven principal FGFRs. Instead, we demonstrate that FHFs bind IB2 directly, furthering the contention that FHFs and FGFs elicit their biological effects by binding to different protein partners. To understand the molecular basis for this differential target binding specificity, we elucidated the crystal structure of FHF1b to 1.7-A resolution. The FHF1b core domain assumes a beta-trefoil fold consisting of 12 antiparallel beta strands (beta 1 through beta 12). The FHF1b beta-trefoil core is remarkably similar to that of classical FGFs and exhibits an FGF-characteristic heparin-binding surface as attested to by the number of bound sulfate ions. Using molecular modeling and structure-based mutational analysis, we identified two surface residues, Arg52 in the beta 4-beta 5 loop and Val95 in the beta 9 strand of FHF1b that are required for the interaction of FHF1b with IB2. These two residues are unique to FHFs, and mutations of the corresponding residues of FGF1 to Arg and Val diminish the capacity of FGF1 to activate FGFRs, suggesting that these two FHF residues contribute to the inability of FHFs to activate FGFRs. Hence, FHFs and FGFs bear striking structural similarity but have diverged to direct related surfaces toward interaction with distinct protein targets.