Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) (KGF)

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), also known as Fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family that acts as a specific mitogen for epithelial cells (UniProt P21781). It is primarily secreted by mesenchymal cells and exerts its biological effects by binding to and activating the FGFR2b receptor isoform, which is exclusively expressed on epithelial cells (PubMed: 15507151). This signaling pathway is essential for normal wound healing, lung development, and the protection of mucosal surfaces from injury (PubMed: 10441154). Clinically, the KGF pathway is targeted to treat oral mucositis, a common side effect of intensive cancer therapy, using the recombinant human KGF analog Palifermin (DrugBank DB00039). While KGF provides significant cytoprotection, its role in promoting cell proliferation necessitates caution in patients with epithelial-derived malignancies, as it could theoretically stimulate tumor progression (PubMed: 17634284).

Other names

Fibroblast growth factor 7FGF7Heparin-binding growth factor 7HBGF-7

Agonism of the Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b), which triggers intracellular signaling cascades such as the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways to stimulate epithelial cell growth and survival (DrugBank DB00039).