FGF-basic (146aa), Human

Fibroblast Growth Factor-basic (FGF-basic), also known as FGF-2, is a pleiotropic cytokine and one of the prototypic members of the heparin-binding FGF family. Like other FGF family members, FGF-basic has the beta trefoil structure. In vivo, FGF-basic is produced by a variety of cells, including cardiomycotes, fibroblasts, and vascular cells. FGF-basic regulates a variety of processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, adhesion, motility, apoptosis, limb formation and wound healing. FGF-basic can be tumorigenic due to its role in angiogenesis and blood vessel remodeling. The angiogenic effects of FGF-basic can produce beneficial cardioprotection during acute heart injury.