KGF-1

KGF-1 (keratinocyte growth factor 1; FGF-7) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family that signals exclusively through the FGFR2b splice variant expressed on epithelial cells, where it acts as a potent mitogen and cytoprotective factor for keratinocytes and mucosal epithelial cells; uniquely paracrine in nature, KGF-1 is produced by stromal cells to maintain adjacent epithelial layer integrity and support mucosal healing. KGF-1 activates FGFR2b to drive epithelial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, and to protect mucosal surfaces from damage caused by cytotoxic therapies; this cytoprotective mechanism forms the basis of its clinical application in preventing chemotherapy- and radiation-induced breakdown of the gastrointestinal epithelium, where FGFR2b is highly expressed.

wound healing, hair growth, keratinocyte proliferation, mucosal repair, epithelial protection.

Research on KGF-1 primarily documents effects related to wound healing and hair growth and keratinocyte proliferation and mucosal repair and epithelial protection. These are areas covered in preclinical and clinical literature — individual response varies and effects depend on context of use.

For KGF-1, its FDA status is FDA-approved, and it is designated for research use only. Regulatory status reflects publicly available information and may change. This is not legal or medical advice.

In a double-blind phase 3 randomized controlled trial of 212 patients, palifermin (recombinant human KGF-1/keratinocyte growth factor) reduced the incidence of WHO grade 3-4 oral mucositis from 98% to 63% (p<0.001) and median mucositis duration from 9 to 6 days, with significant reductions in opioid analgesic use and total parenteral nutrition, confirming KGF-1's epithelial tissue-protective and repair-promoting activity.