The human IIIb isoform of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 1 is a naturally occurring functional receptor for FGFs and expressed in the human pancreas

In this study we characterized for the first time the expression and functionality of the human fibroblast growth factor receptor 1-IIIb variant (FGFR1-IIIb). In situ hybridization demonstrated that FGFR1-IIIb localized in normal pancreatic acinar cells and ductal pancreatic cancer cells. A cDNA encoding the human full-length FGFR1-IIIb was expressed in well-differentiated TAKA–1 pancreatic ductal cells not expressing endogenous FGFR1. FGFR1-IIIb expressing cells synthesized a glycosylated 110 kDa protein capable of inducing proliferation upon incubation with exogenous FGF–1, –2, and –4. Immunoprecipitation expe…