FGF-basic (154aa), 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, bFGF has the beta trefoil structure. In vivo, bFGF is produced by a variety of cells, including cardiomycotes, fibroblasts, and vascular cells. bFGF regulates a variety of processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, adhesion, motility, apoptosis, limb formation and wound healing. bFGF can be tumorigenic due to its role in angiogenesis and blood vessel remodeling. The angiogenic effects of bFGF can produce beneficial cardioprotection during acute heart injury.