Analysis Note
The biological activity is measured by the dose-dependent stimulation of thymidine uptake using BaF3 cells expressing FGF receptors.
Physical form
Lyophilized from a 0.2 μm filtered buffer solution containing a carrier protein.
Biochem/physiol Actions
FGF-4 (hst-1, hst/KS53) is a 19 kDa protein identified in NIH-3T3 cell assays as a transforming gene from DNA derived from human tumors, including stomach (hst) and colon cancers, Kaposi's sarcoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. FGF-4 includes a secretory signal sequence and shares 42% sequence identity with bFGF at the amino acid level. Both FGF-4 and bFGF bind to the same receptors. Mouse and human FGF-4 shares 82% homology with species cross-reactivity. FGF-4 does not appear to be expressed in normal adult tissues, but during embryogenesis, the gene is spatially and temporally regulated. FGF-4 is a mitogen for fibroblasts and endothelial cells and a potent promoter of angiogenesis. It is believed to be critical in embryonic limb development.