Fibroblast growth factors: at the heart of angiogenesis

Acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) are ubiquitous cytokines found in many tissues. They have effects on multiple cell types derived from mesoderm and neuroectoderm, including endothelial cells. In this review the structure and function of the fibroblast growth factor family and its receptors are described. The evidence implicating both FGF-1 and FGF-2 in the control of blood vessel formation is presented and their involvement in normal and pathological angiogenesis during adult life is then described in more detail.