New insights in the biology of fibroblast growth factor-2.
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 stimulates endothelial cell proliferation and is a potent angiogenic molecule in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we have focused on recent findings that relate to the mechanism of action and function of FGF-2. FGF-2 is expressed as four different isoforms: one 18 kDa FGF-2 form that is mainly cytoplasmic and three high molecular weight (HMW) FGF-2 forms that are preferentially localized in the nucleus. It has been demonstrated that these different isoforms lead to specific cellular phenotypes when expressed in cells. HMW FGF-2 controls proliferation by a receptor-independent mechanism, whereas 18 kDa FGF-2 stimulates migration by autocrine receptor activation. Intracellularly, HMW FGF-2 may directly associate with molecules that are involved in growth control. The action of FGF-2 at the cell surface may be altered by angiogenic inhibitors. Angiogenic inhibitors may directly interfere with FGF receptor activation or downstream signaling and thus inhibit FGF activity.