Recombinant Human FGF-7

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), also known as FGF-7 and HBGF-7, is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. The family members possess broad mitogenic and cell survival activities, and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, cell growth, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth and invasion.¹ KGF is a potent epithelial cell-specific growth factor, whose mitogenic activity is predominantly exhibited in keratinocytes but not in fibroblasts and endothelial cells.² When secreted, KGF acts as a paracrine growth factor for nearby epithelial cells. KGF will only signal through the FGF R2-IIIb receptor.³ For signaling to occur, receptor dimerization is required with an octameric or larger heparin or heparin sulfate proteoglycan. Studies of mouse and rat homologs of this gene implicated roles in morphogenesis of epithelium, re-epithelialization of wounds, hair development and early lung organogenesis.^4,5 Instillation of KGF into the lungs of animals protects them from oxidant-induced injury to the lung epithelium.