Human FGF2

FGF2 is a heparin-binding member of the FGF superfamily of molecules characterized by the presence of a centrally placed beta -trefoil structure. FGF acidic (FGF-1) and FGF basic (FGF2) were the first two identified FGFs, and the designations acidic and basic refer to their relative isoelectric points. There are four start sites with atypical CUG codons, and one with an AUG start site. All are retained intracellularly, undergo extensive methylation, and possess one or more nuclear localization signals. It is, however, secreted directly through the plasma membrane via a mechanism that appears to be dependent upon tertiary structure (1-5).