Fibroblast growth factor 1, Fibroblast growth factor 2, and Fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF-1, FGF-2, FGF-4)

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), and fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF-4) are secreted protein ligands of the FGF family, with broad roles in modulating cellular proliferation, migration, and differentiation via binding and activation of FGFR tyrosine kinase receptors[1][2][4][5][6][7][8]. FGF1 (acidic FGF) is prominent in the brain, retina, and bone, while FGF2 (basic FGF) is widespread in neural and endocrine tissues; both are vital for angiogenesis, wound healing, and development, and have clinical utility in regenerative medicine and as potential targets in cancer therapy[2][3][5][6][8]. FGF4 is mainly associated with embryonic development and cell fate specification; aberrant signaling by any of these FGFs contributes to pathogenic processes such as tumorigenesis and metabolic disorders[2][4][8]. Drug development focuses on recombinant FGFs for tissue repair and FGFR inhibitors for cancer and other diseases with pathologic FGF-FGFR signaling[3][4][8].

Other names

acidic FGFaFGFheparin-binding growth factor 1HBGF-1endothelial cell growth factor-1basic FGFbFGFheparin-binding growth factor 2HBGF-2

Recombinant FGFs: replacement therapy to promote tissue repair and healing by activating FGFRs and downstream pathways (RAS/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, PLCγ) FGFR inhibitors: block excessive signaling from FGFs to prevent uncontrolled cell growth and angiogenesis, most notably in cancers with FGFR mutations or overactivity