Heparin-binding molecules with growth factor activities in regenerating-tissues of the starfish Asterias rubens

Regenerating-tissues of the starfish Asterias rubens were studied for the presence of growth factors liable to stimulate the proliferation of fibroblast and epithelial cells (3T3, BHK21 and Hela cells). As a first attempt to isolate growth factors, the extracts were fixed on heparin-affinity column and were eluted by 1-1.2 M NaCl. After separation on a Vydac C18 HPLC column. a fraction that stimulates the proliferation of fibroblast cells was isolated. It contained four different peptides, separated by electrophoresis, and for which the amino acid composition and molecular mass were determined. All the peptides were lysine rich and one presented an amino-acid composition comparable to basic-fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) while its molecular weight was higher.