Fibroblast growth factors, or FGFs, are a family of growth factors, with members involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and function, and are critically important in normal development, tissue maintenance, angiogenesis, wound healing, embryonic development and various endocrine signaling pathways [1]. In humans, 22 members of the FGF family have been identified, all of which are structurally related signaling molecules.

FGF-1 (FGF1, P05230) through to FGF-10 (FGF10, O15520) bind to fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs). FGF-11 (FGF-11, Q92914), FGF-12 (FGF-12, P61328), FGF-13 (FGF-13, Q92913), and FGF-14 (FGF-14, Q92915), which are also known as FGF homologous factors 1-4 (FHF1-FHF4), have distinct functions compared to the FGFs and do not bind FGFRs. Fgf-15 (Fgf-15, O35622) to FGF-23 (FGF23, Q9GZV9) are the most recently described members and their functions and mechanisms of action are still being characterized.

1. Ornitz DM, Itoh N. (2015) The Fibroblast Growth Factor signaling pathway. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Dev Biol, 4 (3): 215-66. [PMID:25772309]