FGF1

FGF1 Full Name

fibroblast growth factor 1 (acidic)

FGF1 Introduction

Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1), also known as acidic FGF, is a pleiotropic growth factor involved in cell proliferation, tissue repair, angiogenesis, metabolic regulation, and organ development. Although FGF1 was initially recognized for its mitogenic activity in fibroblasts and endothelial cells, recent advances have revealed a much broader biological role that extends far beyond tissue growth. Researchers investigating metabolic disorders, chronic inflammation, and regenerative medicine have increasingly focused on FGF1 because of its ability to coordinate cellular responses across multiple organs. As a ligand for fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), FGF1 activates signaling pathways that regulate cell survival, differentiation, and homeostasis, making it an important target in both basic research and therapeutic development.

One of the most exciting discoveries surrounding FGF1 is its role in metabolic health. Growing evidence suggests that FGF1 functions as a powerful regulator of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Unlike many glucose-lowering therapies, FGF1 has demonstrated the ability to improve insulin resistance and support pancreatic β-cell function without causing severe hypoglycemia in experimental models. Studies have shown that FGF1 acts on key metabolic tissues, including the liver, adipose tissue, and pancreas, where it influences energy utilization, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory responses. Recent investigations have also highlighted the FGF1-IGFBP2 signaling axis as a potential mechanism underlying its protective effects against obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction and hepatic steatosis. These findings have generated substantial interest in developing engineered FGF1 molecules and delivery platforms for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and related cardiometabolic disorders.

Beyond metabolism, FGF1 has emerged as an important regulator of inflammation, vascular biology, and tissue morphogenesis. Experimental studies indicate that FGF1 can counteract pro-inflammatory signaling pathways and suppress integrin-mediated cellular activation associated with thrombosis and vascular injury. This anti-inflammatory profile distinguishes FGF1 from certain other members of the FGF family and suggests potential applications in cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. In developmental biology, FGF1 also functions as a critical paracrine signaling molecule that contributes to pituitary gland architecture, growth hormone cell development, and normal organismal growth. Dysregulation of FGF1 signaling has been implicated in metabolic diseases, tissue repair abnormalities, developmental defects, and cancer-associated microenvironment remodeling. As a result, FGF1 continues to attract significant attention as both a therapeutic target and a promising biologic candidate for next-generation treatments aimed at restoring metabolic balance, controlling inflammation, and promoting tissue regeneration.

Alternate Names for FGF1

FGF1; fibroblast growth factor 1 (acidic); FGFA; fibroblast growth factor 1; AFGF; ECGF; ECGF beta; ECGFA; ECGFB; endothelial cell growth factor

• 1.Bu T, et al.; FGF1 as a New Promising Therapeutic Target in Type 2 Diabetes: Advances in Research and Clinical Trials. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2025, 18:1137-1149.
  2.Takada YK, et al.; FGF1 Suppresses Allosteric Activation of β3 Integrins by FGF2: A Potential Mechanism of Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Thrombotic Action of FGF1. Biomolecules. 2024, 14(8):888.