1. ¹Department of Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, ETH Zürich, Hönggerberg, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
2. ²Switch Biotech AG, Floriansbogen 2-4, D-82061 Neuried, Germany

Correspondence: S Werner, E-mail: sabine.werner@cell.biol.ethz.ch

Received 9 November 2004; Revised 14 January 2005; Accepted 24 January 2005; Published online 4 April 2005.

Abstract

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.