FGF acidic is one of 23 known members of the FGF family. Proteins of this family play a central role during prenatal development and postnatal growth and regeneration of a variety of tissues, by promoting cellular proliferation and differentiation. FGF acidic is a non-glycosylated heparin binding growth factor that is expressed in the brain, kidney, retina, smooth muscle cells, bone matrix, osteoblasts, astrocytes and endothelial cells. FGF acidic has the ability to signal through all the FGF receptors. Alternative Names: HBGF-1 protein, FGF-1 protein, Fibroblast Growth Factor-acidic protein, ECGF-beta protein