The Fibroblast Growth Factors and Angiogenesis: Basic Considerations

The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of potent heparin-binding polypeptides that influence the growth, differentiation, and migration of many cell types. The FGFs are angiogenic and can induce new vessel growth. Their ability to induce new vessel growth is important in normal embryonic development, physiologic processes, pathologic processes such as malignancy, and many disease states. This article focuses on the basic aspects of FGFs in angiogenesis and discusses early clinical applications in this field.