Fibroblast growth factor 1, FGF-1, Acidic fibroblast growth factor, aFGF, binding growth factor 1, HBGF-1, Fgf1, Fgfa, HBGF1.
Fibroblast growth factor 1, FGF-1, Acidic fibroblast growth factor, aFGF, binding growth factor 1, HBGF-1, Fgf1, Fgfa, HBGF1.
Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) are a family of cell-signaling proteins involved in a wide range of biological processes, including embryonic development, cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, and angiogenesis . Among the FGFs, Fibroblast Growth Factor-Acidic (FGF-1), also known as Heparin-Binding Growth Factor-1 (HBGF-1), is one of the most studied members due to its significant role in cellular functions .
FGF-1 is a single-chain protein with a molecular weight ranging from 15 to 25 kDa . It possesses a conserved core of about 120 amino acids and is characterized by its ability to bind heparin and heparan sulfate . This binding property allows FGF-1 to be sequestered in the extracellular matrix and released upon tissue injury or remodeling .
FGF-1 functions by binding to and activating high-affinity FGF receptors (FGFRs) on target cells . This interaction triggers a signal transduction cascade involving kinases and transcription factors, leading to various cellular effects such as mitogenesis, differentiation, migration, and angiogenesis . FGF-1 is particularly known for its role in wound healing and tissue repair .
Recombinant FGF-1, including rat recombinant FGF-1, is widely used in biomedical research. It is employed in cell culture applications to maintain, expand, and differentiate various cell types . For instance, FGF-1 is used to study signaling interactions and pathways involved in cell growth and development .