The FGF ligand–receptor signaling system in chondrogenesis, osteogenesis and vascularization of the endochondral skeleton

Skeletogenesis is a complex process that involves the interaction of many tissues and cell types and that engages many intercellular signaling systems. In this review we focus on the Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) signaling system, which is involved in all stages of skeletogenesis, from the earliest stages of limb bud development to the growth and remodeling of bone. Examination of phenotypes of Fgf18 and Fgfr3 null mutations and conditional alleles for Fgfr1 and Fgfr2, targeted with Dermo1Cre, Col2Cre and Col1Cre, is beginning to unravel the contribution of these signaling molecules to different stages of limb and skeletal development.