Recombinant Human Fibroblast Growth Factor-basic

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) is a member of the FGF family of mitogenic peptides which is comprised of at least 23 proteins showing 35-55% amino acid sequence conservation. Unlike other FGF family members, bFGF and acidic FGF (aFGF) lack signal peptides and are secreted via a different mechanism other than the classical protein secretion pathway. bFGF is a single-chain polypeptide growth factor that plays a significant role in the processes of wound healing, inducing angiogenesis and maintaining human pluripotent stem cell renewal. Several different forms of the bFGF exist ranging from 18-24 kDa in size due to the use of alternative start sites within the FGF-2 gene. It has a 55 percent amino acid residue identity to aFGF and has potent heparin-binding activity. bFGF is extremely efficient in inducing DNA synthesis in a variety of cell types from mesoderm and neuroectoderm lineages. It was originally named bFGF based upon its chemical properties and to distinguish it from aFGF.