Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF-1), also known as acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family. This family of proteins is involved in a variety of biological processes, including cell growth, development, and tissue repair. FGF-1 is a non-glycosylated, single polypeptide protein that plays a crucial role in stimulating DNA synthesis and cell proliferation .
FGF-1 is a small protein with a molecular mass of approximately 18 kDa in its reduced form and 16 kDa in its non-reduced form . It does not have a definitive signal sequence, which means it is not secreted through classical pathways. Instead, FGF-1 forms a disulfide-linked dimer inside cells, which associates with a complex of proteins at the cell membrane. This complex helps flip FGF-1 through the membrane to the exterior of the cell .
Once outside the cell, FGF-1 dissociates into monomeric form in the reducing conditions of the surrounding tissue. It can then enter systemic circulation or be sequestered in tissues by binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans of the extracellular matrix .
FGF-1 is capable of binding with all four fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and exerts its intracellular effects through downstream pathways such as PLCγ and MAPK . This binding and subsequent signaling are essential for various cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and migration. FGF-1 is particularly known for its role in promoting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and wound healing .
Recombinant human FGF-1 is produced using various expression systems, including E. coli and HEK293 cells . The recombinant protein is optimized for use in cell culture, differentiation studies, and functional assays. It is available in different purity grades, with research-grade FGF-1 being commonly used in laboratory settings .
Recombinant FGF-1 has been widely used in research to study its effects on cell proliferation and differentiation. For example, it has been shown to stimulate dose-dependent proliferation of human primary fibroblast cell lines . This makes it a valuable tool for studying cellular processes and developing therapeutic strategies for tissue repair and regeneration.
Dysregulated FGF-1 signaling has been associated with various pathological conditions, including tumor invasion and metastasis . Understanding the mechanisms of FGF-1 action and its interactions with other cellular components is crucial for developing targeted therapies for cancer and other diseases.