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The name “fibroblast growth factor” (FGF) is a limiting description for this family of cytokines. The function of FGFs is not restricted to induce fibroblast growth only. They also induce proliferation of endothelial cells, chondrocytes, smooth muscle cells, melanocytes, as well as other cells. It can also promote adipocyte differentiation, induce macrophage and fibroblast IL-6 production, stimulate astrocyte migration, and prolong neuronal survival. To date, the FGF superfamily consists of 23 members, all of which contain a conserved 120 amino acid (aa) core region that contains six identical, interspersed amino acids. The superfamily members act extracellularly through four tyrosine kinase FGF receptors, with multiple specificities noted for almost all FGFs. FGFs are now considered to play important roles not only in proliferation, but also in development, angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, and tumorigenesis.
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