FGF-1
An endogenous heparin-binding growth factor that binds all four FGF receptors to drive angiogenesis, wound healing, and tissue repair.
FGF-1 (fibroblast growth factor 1; acidic FGF; aFGF) is an endogenous 155-amino-acid heparin-binding growth factor and the prototypic member of the 22-member FGF family. It stimulates cell proliferation, survival, and migration through the FGFR1-4 tyrosine kinase receptors, with particularly important roles in angiogenesis, wound healing, and tissue repair. Clinical evidence for the FGF-1 pathway comes primarily from gene-encoded delivery (NV1FGF plasmid) rather than direct recombinant protein administration; no protein therapy form has completed Phase 3 trials and research-grade FGF-1 is used mainly as a cell culture and tissue engineering supplement.
Class
Endogenous 155-amino-acid heparin-binding growth factor
Routes
Topical, Subcutaneous, Intramuscular (gene-encoded delivery in trials)
Category
Healing & Recovery
Researched benefits
What it's studied for
Therapeutic angiogenesis
FGF-1 is a potent inducer of new vessel formation, driving endothelial cell sprouting and neovascularization to restore perfusion. In ischemic tissue this supports peripheral arterial disease and critical limb ischemia, where a Phase 2 RCT of gene-encoded FGF-1 improved amputation-free survival.
Wound healing
By stimulating fibroblast proliferation, migration, and vascular regeneration, FGF-1 promotes closure of non-healing wounds and ulcers, a key mechanism behind its studied role in ischemic wound repair.
Skin repair
FGF-1 activates fibroblasts and downstream MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling that support tissue regeneration and repair, underpinning its use in skin and cosmetic research contexts.
Hair growth support
FGF-1 has been reported to promote hair follicle cycling into the anagen (growth) phase, making it an area of research interest for hair growth support.
Fibroblast activation
As its name implies, FGF-1 stimulates fibroblast proliferation and survival, the cellular basis for connective tissue repair and remodeling.
Mechanism
How it works
FGF-1 is the prototypic member of the 22-member fibroblast growth factor family and is unique in binding all four FGF receptor subtypes (FGFR1-4), giving it the broadest receptor binding of the family. As a heparin-binding growth factor, it requires heparan sulfate proteoglycans as co-factors to stabilize the ligand-receptor complex and enable efficient signaling.
Upon binding FGFR, FGF-1 triggers receptor tyrosine kinase autophosphorylation and initiates the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and PLCgamma downstream signaling cascades. These pathways collectively drive cell proliferation, survival, and migration across many tissue types.
In vascular tissue, this signaling drives endothelial cell sprouting and neovascularization. In ischemic tissue, FGF-1 acts as a potent inducer of therapeutic angiogenesis, stimulating new vessel formation to restore blood flow. It also promotes fibroblast proliferation for wound and skin repair and pushes hair follicles into the anagen growth phase.
Clinical activity of the FGF-1 pathway has been demonstrated through gene-encoded delivery: NV1FGF, a non-viral plasmid vector encoding FGF-1, is administered intramuscularly so that cells express the growth factor locally. This gene therapy approach is mechanistically distinct from direct administration of recombinant FGF-1 protein.
Evidence
Research & clinical studies (2)
Therapeutic angiogenesis with intramuscular NV1FGF improves amputation-free survival in patients with critical limb ischemia
In a double-blind Phase 2 RCT of 125 patients with critical limb ischemia and non-healing ulcers, intramuscular FGF-1 (NV1FGF plasmid gene therapy) significantly reduced the risk of all amputations (HR 0.498, p=0.015) and major amputations (HR 0.371, p=0.015) versus placebo.
PMID 18388929Thauvin-Robinet-Faivre Syndrome: A FIBP Variant in an Adolescent with Segmental Overgrowth and Thyroid Carcinoma
A variant in the FIBP gene, which regulates the FGF-1 pathway critical for cell proliferation and differentiation, is associated with a rare overgrowth disorder and previously unreported thyroid and parotid carcinomas, illustrating how FGF-1 pathway dysregulation contributes to abnormal growth and cancer risk.
PMID 40099975Safety
Side effects & considerations
Contraindications & cautions
- Active or prior cancer history
- Pregnancy or nursing
FGF-1 carries a moderate risk profile in research contexts. Because it is a potent pro-proliferative and pro-angiogenic growth factor, caution is warranted given the theoretical potential to promote abnormal growth; FGF-1 pathway dysregulation has been linked to tumor development. Review contraindications and consult a qualified healthcare professional before any use.
FAQ
FGF-1 — common questions
What is FGF-1?
FGF-1 (fibroblast growth factor 1; acidic FGF; aFGF) is an endogenous 155-amino-acid heparin-binding growth factor and the prototypic member of the 22-member FGF family. It stimulates cell proliferation, survival, and migration through FGFR1-4 tyrosine kinase receptor signaling, with important roles in angiogenesis, wound healing, and tissue repair.
What is FGF-1 primarily studied for?
It is studied mainly for wound healing, hair growth support, skin repair, angiogenesis, and fibroblast activation.
What does the clinical research show?
In a double-blind Phase 2 RCT of 125 patients with critical limb ischemia, intramuscular gene-encoded FGF-1 (NV1FGF plasmid) significantly reduced the risk of all amputations (HR 0.498) and major amputations (HR 0.371) versus placebo, supporting the tissue repair and vascular regeneration properties of FGF-1.
Is FGF-1 the same as taking the protein directly?
No. The clinical evidence comes from gene-encoded delivery (a plasmid that makes cells express FGF-1), which is mechanistically distinct from administering recombinant FGF-1 protein. No protein therapy form has completed Phase 3 trials.
Is FGF-1 FDA approved?
No. Recombinant FGF-1 protein has no FDA approval as a standalone therapeutic; its regulatory status is Not Evaluated and it is available for research only.
What are the main safety considerations?
FGF-1 has a moderate risk profile. Reported contraindications include active cancer history and pregnancy or nursing, reflecting caution around a potent pro-proliferative growth factor. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
