The keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), also known as FGF7, is a growth factor present in the epithelialization-phase of wound healing.
In this phase, keratinocytes are covering the wound, forming the epithelium.
KGF is a small signaling molecule that binds to fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b).
[1] For signalling to occur, a dimer is required between two FGF:FGFR complexes that is linked together by a molecule of heparin.
FGF:FGFR binding is complex and regulated by a variety of mechanisms in a tissue specific manner.