The fibroblast growth factor binding protein is a novel interaction partner of FGF-7, FGF-10 and FGF-22 and regulates FGF activity: implications for epithelial repair

The fibroblast growth factor-binding protein (FGF-BP) binds and activates FGF-1 and FGF-2, thereby contributing to tumor angiogenesis. In this study, we identified novel binding partners of FGF-BP, and we provide evidence for a role of this protein in epithelial repair processes. We show that expression of FGF-BP increases after injury to murine and human skin, in particular in keratinocytes. This upregulation is most likely achieved by major keratinocyte mitogens present at the wound site. Most importantly, we demonstrate that FGF-BP interacts with FGF-7, FGF-10, and with the recently identified FGF-22, and enhances the activity of low concentrations of ligand. Due to the important functions of FGF-7 and FGF-10 for repair of injured epithelia, our findings suggest that upregulation of FGF-BP expression after injury stimulates FGF activity at the wound site, thus enhancing the process of epithelial repair.