Keratinocyte Growth Factor-2 (KGF-2), also known as Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 (FGF-10), is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. This family consists of at least 23 related peptides that play crucial roles in various biological processes, including cell growth, development, and tissue repair . KGF-2 is particularly known for its role in stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells, making it a significant factor in wound healing and tissue regeneration .
KGF-2 is produced by fibroblasts in the dermis, granulation tissue, and intraepithelial cells. It specifically acts on cells of epithelial origin, such as skin keratinocytes and intestinal epithelial cells, by binding to the FGF receptor 2-IIIb (FGFR2-IIIb) . The protein sequence of KGF-2 shows high homology with other members of the FGF family, particularly FGF-7 (KGF-1), indicating similar biological functions .
KGF-2 plays a pivotal role in various biological processes:
The recombinant production of KGF-2 involves the expression and purification of the protein using various biotechnological techniques. One common method is the fusion of KGF-2 with a small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) to enhance protein expression and prevent degradation . The fusion protein is then purified using affinity chromatography, and the SUMO tag is removed to obtain the recombinant KGF-2 .
KGF-2 has several potential applications in medical and cosmetic fields: