FGF Ligands

The Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) constitute a large family of proteins involved in many aspects of development including cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation. They act on several cell types to regulate diverse physiologic functions including angiogenesis, cell growth, pattern formation, embryonic development, metabolic regulation, cell migration, neurotrophic effects, and tissue repair. FGF family activities are mediated by receptor tyrosine kinases and are facilitated by heparan sulfate. Family members have been implicated in several disorders of bone growth, as well as in tumor formation and progression.