Research Progress of Fibroblast Growth Factor 8’s Role in the Regulation of Bone Development and Homeostasis

The proper development and the homeostasis maintenance of bones are important prerequisites for the normal functioning of the human body. Bone developmental deformities or homeostasis disorders, such as Kashin-Beck disease, craniosynostosis, cleft palate and osteoarthritis, severely affect the life of patients, causing significant stress to the family and the society. Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) plays multiple functions through the course of the life of organisms. Abnormal expression of FGF8 may cause disorders of bone homeostasis and developmental abnormalities of bones. More and more studies have found that FGF8 may play an important role in bone development and may become a potential therapeutic target. Herein, we reviewed the role of FGF8 in a variety of skeletal abnormalities, intending to provide new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of related diseases in the future.