The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. FGF family members possess broad mitogenic and cell survival activities, and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth and invasion. A mutation in this gene is associated with autosomal dominant cerebral ataxia. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene.