FGF2
Description
The FGF2 (fibroblast growth factor 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 4.
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), also known as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and FGF-β, is a growth factor and signaling protein encoded by the FGF2 gene. It binds to and exerts effects via specific fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) proteins, themselves a family of closely related molecules. Fibroblast growth factor protein was first purified in 1975; soon thereafter three variants were isolated: 'basic FGF' (FGF2); Heparin-binding growth factor-2; and Endothelial cell growth factor-2. Gene sequencing revealed that this group is the same FGF2 protein and is a member of a family of FGF proteins.
Like other FGF family members, basic fibroblast growth factor possesses broad mitogenic and cell survival activities, and is involved in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth and invasion. In normal tissue, bFGF is present in basement membranes and in the subendothelial extracellular matrix of blood vessels. It stays membrane-bound as long as there is no signal peptide. It has been hypothesized that, during both wound healing of normal tissues and tumor development, the action of heparan sulfate-degrading enzymes activates bFGF, thus mediating the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. In addition, it is synthesized and secreted by human adipocytes and the concentration of FGF2 correlates with the BMI in blood samples. It was also shown to act on preosteoblasts – in the form of an increased proliferation – after binding to fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 and activating phosphoinositide 3-kinase.
FGF2 acts as a ligand for FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and FGFR4, triggering downstream signaling pathways. It also functions as an integrin ligand, specifically binding to integrin ITGAV:ITGB3, which is essential for FGF2 signaling. This protein plays a crucial role in regulating cell survival, division, differentiation, and migration. FGF2 is a potent mitogen in vitro, stimulating cell growth. It can induce angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. FGF2 also mediates phosphorylation of ERK1/2, promoting retinal lens fiber differentiation.
FGF2 is also known as BFGF, FGF-2, FGFB, HBGF-2.
