Fibroblast growth factor 2 and Hyaluronan synthase 2 (FGF-2 and HAS-2)

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and Hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS-2) are two distinct but functionally linked molecules that play a central role in tissue remodeling and disease progression [2, 15]. FGF-2, also known as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), is a potent mitogen and pro-angiogenic factor that signals through fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) [2, 6]. HAS-2 is the primary enzyme responsible for the synthesis of high-molecular-weight hyaluronan, a major component of the extracellular matrix [3, 15]. FGF-2 signaling frequently induces the expression of HAS-2, leading to increased hyaluronan production, which facilitates cell migration, proliferation, and survival [3, 4, 15]. This axis is particularly significant in cancer, where it promotes tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and resistance to therapy [2, 8, 14]. In cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, the FGF-2/HAS-2 pathway contributes to pathological remodeling and fibrosis [4, 10]. Therapeutic interventions often target the upstream signaling via FGFR inhibitors such as erdafitinib or the downstream synthesis of hyaluronan using inhibitors like 4-methylumbelliferone to disrupt this pro-tumorigenic and pro-fibrotic environment [9, 14]. Monitoring FGF-2 and hyaluronan levels can serve as a biomarker for disease progression and treatment efficacy [2, 12].

Other names

Basic fibroblast growth factorbFGFHeparin-binding growth factor 2HBGF-2ProstatropinHyaluronate synthase 2Hyaluronan synthase 2

Inhibition of FGF-2 signaling through fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) antagonism or ligand sequestration, and inhibition of hyaluronan synthesis by hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS-2).