FGF/FGFR system in the central nervous system demyelinating disease: Recent progress and implications for multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: With millions of victims worldwide, multiple sclerosis is the second most common cause of disability among young adults. Although formidable advancements have been made in understanding the disease, the neurodegeneration associated with multiple sclerosis is only partially counteracted by current treatments, and effective therapy for progressive multiple sclerosis remains an unmet need. Therefore, new approaches are required to delay demyelination and the resulting disability and to restore neural function by promoting remyelination and neuronal repair. AIMS: The article reviews the latest literature in this field. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway is a promising target in progressive multiple sclerosis. DISCUSSION: FGF signal transduction contributes to establishing the oligodendrocyte lineage, neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation, and myelination of the central nervous system. Furthermore, FGF signaling is implicated in the control of neuroinflammation. In recent years, interventions targeting FGF, and its receptor (FGFR) have been shown to ameliorate autoimmune encephalomyelitis symptoms in multiple sclerosis animal models moderately. CONCLUSION: Here, we summarize the recent findings and investigate the role of FGF/FGFR signaling in the onset and progression, discuss the potential therapeutic advances, and offer fresh insights into managing multiple sclerosis.