FGF3

The FGF3 gene provides instructions for making a protein called fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGF3). This protein is part of a family of proteins called fibroblast growth factors that are involved in important processes such as cell division, regulation of cell growth and maturation, formation of blood vessels, wound healing, and development before birth. By attaching to another protein known as a receptor, FGF3 triggers a cascade of chemical reactions inside the cell that signal the cell to undergo certain changes, such as maturing to take on specialized functions. During development before birth, the signals triggered by the FGF3 protein stimulate cells to form the structures that make up the inner ears. The FGF3 protein is also involved in the development of many other organs and structures, including the outer ears and teeth.

congenital deafness with labyrinthine aplasia, microtia, and microdontia - caused by mutations in the FGF3 gene

Mutations in the FGF3 gene cause a condition known as congenital deafness with labyrinthine aplasia, microtia, and microdontia (also known as LAMM syndrome). The features of this condition include deafness caused by a lack of inner ear structures (labyrinthine aplasia), small outer ears (microtia), and small teeth (microdontia). The gene mutations involved in LAMM syndrome change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the FGF3 protein or lead to an abnormally short protein. The altered protein likely has reduced or absent function, making it unable to stimulate signaling within cells. The loss of FGF3 function impairs development of the ears and teeth, which leads to the characteristic features of LAMM syndrome.