Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a potent heparin binding growth factor that promotes proliferation, migration and differentiation of mesenchymal and neuro ectodermal cells. It exerts its functions by binding to bFGF receptor on cell membranes1. bFGF inhibitory peptides are short peptides that inhibit bFGF receptor binding and its biological function1.

bFGF inhibitory peptides were isolated from a phage epitope library using monoclonal antibodies raised against human recombinant bFGF. These monoclonal antibodies were found to efficiently block bFGF binding to its receptors1.

So far three bFGF inhibitory peptides have been characterized: bFGF inhibitory peptide, bFGF 119-126 and bFGF inhibitory peptide II1.