Background Recombinant human Fibroblast Growth Factor-basic (bFGF) (AA134-288), also called as FGF-2 or HBGF-2, is a bioactive protein intended for use in cell culture applications. bFGF is a heparin-binding member of the FGF superfamily of molecules. It is involved in a number of biological processes including embryonic development, differentiation, survival, regeneration and migration (1-5). In addition, bFGF is a critical factor for growing embryonic stem cells in culture to remain in an undifferentiated state. Recombinant human FGF-basic is a 17.3 kDa protein consisting of 154 amino acid residues. bFGF, Heparin and FGFR The biological activities of bFGF are presumably mediated through specific, high affinity cell surface receptors present on a variety of cells. Binding of FGF to heparin or cell surface heparin sulfate proteoglycans is necessary for binding of FGF to high affinity FGF receptors. Additional studies have shown that heparin acts to increase the affinity and half-life of the FGF/FGFR complex.
