Dual effects of four members of the fibroblast growth factor member family on multiplication and motility in human teratocarcinoma cells in vitro.

The effects of four recently discovered members of the Fibroblast Growth Factor family, FGF-10, FGF-16, FGF-17 and FGF-18, on the human embryonal carcinoma derived cell line Tera 2 were examined. It was found that all four FGF:s enhanced the survival rate of Tera-2 cells by counteracting apoptosis at concentrations in the interval 1-10 ng/ml. When higher concentrations of either of the four FGF:s were added, a preferential effect on cell motility was observed. The observed requirements for externally supplied FGF:s were complemented by the expression of all four FGF-receptors.