Fibroblast growth factor and angiogenesis.

Basic and acidic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF and aFGF, respectively) are prototypes of the family of fibroblast growth factors which also includes products of the HSTF1/KS3, INT2 and FGF5 oncogenes. bFGF and aFGF have a broad spectrum of tissue distribution, target cells and bioactivities. Both factors also stimulate the migration and proliferation of capillary endothelial cells, a process named angiogenesis. It is conceivable that bFGF and aFGF contribute in as essential manner to angiogenesis. These properties may have therapeutical implications.