Once expressed, the Fgf8 induces other transcription factors to form cross-regulatory loops between cells, thus the border is established.

Through development, the Fgf8 goes to regulate the growth and differentiation of progenitor cells in this region to produce ultimate structure of midbrain and hindbrain.

Emx2 and Pax6 are expressed in opposing gradients along the A/P axis of the cortical primordium and cooperate to set up area pattern.

FGF8 has also been recorded to regulate craniofacial structure formation, including the teeth, palate, mandible, and salivary glands.

CRISPR-cas9 gene targeting methods are currently being studied to determine if they are the key to solving FGF8 mutations associated with oral diseases.

This protein is known to be a factor that supports androgen and anchorage independent growth of mammary tumor cells.

[16] Temporal and spatial pattern of this gene expression suggests its function as an embryonic epithelial factor.

Studies of the mouse and chick homologs reveal roles in midbrain and limb development, organogenesis, embryo gastrulation and left-right axis determination.