Fibroblast growth factor-basic (FGF-b, FGF-2) is a heparin-binding growth factor which belongs to a family of Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs). FGF family members share 35-60% amino acid sequence homology and are highly conserved among species. FGF-basic has been isolated from neural, pituitary, adrenal cortex, and placental tissues. Human FGF-basic is a 17.2 kD protein containing 154 amino acids. Other isofoms (22, 22.5, 24 and 34 kD) have also been reported with distinct intracellular localizations and functions. FGFs are involved in many physiological and pathological processes including embryonic development, neuronal outgrowth, angiogenesis and malignant transformation. FGF-basic is essential for the development and maintenance of vascular integrity during embryogenesis and is also a major angiogenic factor involved in wound healing, cardiovascular disease and tumor neovascularization.