Using RNA in situ hybridization analysis, we have characterized the expression domains of the four known members of the FGF receptor-tyrosine kinase gene family in the murine hair follicle at various stages of the hair growth cycle. During anagen, we detected Fgfr1 RNA in the dermal papilla, Fgfr2 RNA in hair matrix cells near the dermal papilla, Fgfr3 RNA in pre-cuticle cells in the periphery of the hair bulb, and Fgfr4 RNA in cells in the periphery of the hair bulb and also in the inner and outer root sheath in the lower half of the follicle neck. No RNA expression of these genes was detected during late catagen or telogen. We have previously shown that Fgf5 is expressed in the outer root sheath in the transient portion of the follicle (Hébert et al. [1994] Cell 78:1017-1025). In the present study we have also assayed for the expression of six other members of the FGF ligand gene family, Fgf3, Fgf4, Fgf6, Fgf7, Fgf8, and Fgf9. Among these FGF genes, only Fgf7 was found to be expressed in the hair follicle. Fgf7 RNA is localized to the dermal papilla during anagen, but expression is down-regulated by the late-anagen VI stage. We have also demonstrated that addition of FGF5 protein to the culture medium changes the behavior of dermal papilla cells in vitro, indicating that they are capable of responding to FGF5. Together with previously published data, these results provide a complete analysis of FGF ligand and FGF receptor-tyrosine kinase gene expression in the hair follicle, and suggest that FGF signalling may have several functions in the hair growth cycle.