Glossary

Fibroblast growth factors (AKA FGFs) – These are a family of growth factors involved in angiogenesis, wound healing, and embryonic development. They are involved in a number of the cell proliferation and differentiation processes involved in growth and maturation as well as healing.

Fibroblastic Growth Factor Receptor 2.  A protein that plays an important role bone growth in the head and other tissues during embryonic development.

A protein believed to be involved in regulating bone growth by controlling the conversion of cartilage to bone.

A FK506 binding protein belonging to the immunophillin family. This protein binds the immunosuppressant molecule tacrolimus (originally designated FK506), which is used in treating patients after organ transplant and patients suffering from autoimmune disorders. The FKBP-tacrolimus complex inhibits the phosphatase calcineurin that triggers transduction in the T-lymphocyte transduction pathway.

Fluid attenuated inversion recovery – This is a sequence used in magnetic resonance imaging which suppresses fluids such as CSF. The sequence accentuates parenchymal abnormalities, including edema and gliosis. FLAIR imaging is the most sensitive MRI method for identification of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage.

FMS-like tyrosine kinase – A gene expresed in cancerous cells that drives the synthesis of Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 by tyrosine protein kinase activity. The result is release in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation.

Fetal myelomeningocele repair:  This refers to the in utero surgical closure of the myelomeningocele spinal defect prior to birth of the effected fetus.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging – refers to MRI identification by subtle changes in the blood flow in metabolically active regions of the brain participating in a function in question. An example would be image changes seen in the motor hand area of an individual being imaged while he or she repeatedly moves their hand.

as in Furstenberg sign – The swelling and pulsation of a mass when the ipselateral jugular vein is compressed. An example is a nasal mass that pulsates or expands in response to compression of the jugular vein. This is due to mass’s connection with the intracranial CSF space that allows changes in intracranial pressure to be reflected in the mass under observation. Similar changes will be seen with coughing or straining that change intracranial pressure.

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor – a glycoprotein that stimulates the bone marrow to produce granulocytes and stem cells and release them into the bloodstream. It can also act as a neurotrophic factor in the central nervous system. Therapeutically it can be used to stimulate recovery from neutropenia after treatment with a chemotherapy.