Description
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) is a member of the FGF family of mitogenic peptides which is comprised of at least 22 proteins showing 35-55% amino acid sequence conservation. Unlike other FGF family members, bFGF and acidic FGF (aFGF) lack signal peptides and are secreted via a different mechanism other than the classical protein secretion pathway. The predicted 17 kDa bFGF isoform can be located in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. The use of alternative transcription start sites within the gene produces several different isoforms ranging from 21-24kDa proteins