Fibroblast Growth Factor
A fibroblast is a "connective-tissue cell of
mesenchymal origin that secretes proteins and especially
molecular collagen from which the
extracellular fibrillar matrix of connective tissue forms".
FGFs initiate fibroblast proliferation. The original FGF molecule (now known as
FGF-2 or
FGF basic ) also induces proliferation of
endothelial cells,
chondrocytes,
smooth muscle cells, and
melanocytes.