General Medical Information

Fibroblast Growth Factors

David J. Terris

The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of at least 19 distinct cytokines. The original two FGFs described were acidic FGF and basic FGF. There is some overlap in the binding of the receptors within this family of cytokines (and across other families of cytokines as well), with variable degrees of reactivity. After binding of the FGF cell receptors, the tyrosine kinase cascade is activated, resulting in proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and stimulation of neovascularization. Other recognized activities of FGFs include mitogenicity and chemotaxis for keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Basic FGF was shown in a human clinical trial to improve wound healing when applied topically to chronic pressure sores.