Recombinant Human Fibroblast Growth Factor-acidic

Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor (aFGF) is a member of the FGF family of mitogenic peptides which is comprised of at least 23 proteins showing 35-55% amino acid sequence conservation. Unlike other FGF family members, aFGF and basic FGF (bFGF) lack signal peptides and are secreted via a different mechanism other than the classical protein secretion pathway. aFGF has been detected in large amounts in the brain. Other cells known to express aFGF include hepatocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, CNS neurons, skeletal muscle cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, intestinal columnar epithelium cells, pituitary basophils and acidophils. As with other FGF's, aFGF exhibits considerable species crossreactivity. aFGF and bFGF stimulate the proliferation of all cells of mesodermal origin, and many cells of neuroectodermal, ectodermal and endodermal origin.