Fibroblast growth factors.

The existence of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) was proposed over 40 years ago to account for the ability of tissue extracts to stimulate fibroblast proliferation. In the 1970s it became clear that preparations containing FGF activity were in fact pleiotropic, affecting the growth and function of a wide variety of mesenchymal, endocrine and neural cells. Their angiogenic effects have promoted research in cardiology and neurology because of their proposed role in stimulating collateral vascularisation and recovery from ischemia. Their identity with a component of tumour angiogenesis factor activity has stimulated research in oncology and their capacity to enhance wound healing, nerve regeneration and cartilage repair has affected research in neurology, orthopaedic medicine and pathology. The potential therapeutic value of FGFs is just beginning to be realized and will be dependent on a concerted effort to establish their function in the regulation of normal cell homeostasis and the pathophysiology of disease.