Structure, Homologies and Activities of Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFS, reviewed by Thomas and Gimenez-Gallego, 1986) are mitogens for a wide variety of cells in culture including not only fibroblasts but also vascular endothelial cells, myoblasts, chondrocytes, osteoblasts and glial cells. In vivo, FGFS have been shown to promote blood vessel growth. Acidic and basic forms of FGFS have been identified, purified and characterized which, although structurally related to each other, are unique gene products. Alternative names for these molecules have been proposed based on their source (retina-derived growth factors, eye-derived growth factors, brain-derived growth factors), target cells (endothelial cell growth factor, astroglial growth factors, prostatropins) and ability to bind to heparin (heparin-binding growth factors). The amino acid sequence, homologies and activities of acidic FGF (aFGF) are reported.