Fibroblast growth factor

Function

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are involved in angiogenesis, wound-healing and embryonic development. FGF is heparin-binding protein. FGF require heparan sulfate (HS) to activate the four FGF cell-surface receptors (FGFR). In vertebrates there are 23 members in the FGF family^[1].

• FGF1 is called acidic FGF.
  
• FGF2 is called basic FGF.
  
• FGF7 is called keratinocyte growth factor which is present in the eiptheliazation-phase of wound healing when keratinocytes are covering the wound.

Relevance

FGF signaling is important in the pathogenesis of a variety of tumor types, angiogenesis and wound healing.

Structural insights

The heparin binds in the dimer interface^[2].