Mutants of Human Fibroblast Growth Factor Having Increased Stability and/or Mitogenic Potency

Human fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) is a potent human mitogen for a variety of cell types, including vascular endothelial cells, and can stimulate such cells to develop neovasculature capable of relieving ischemia. For this reason, FGF-1 is an angiogenic factor with potential applicability in "angiogenic therapy."

The present invention describes engineered mutant polypeptides of human fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) having improved thermal stability and/or improved mitogenic activity. In comparison to wild-type FGF1, polypeptides having mutations at positions 12 and 134 exhibit enhanced properties of stability and/or mitogenic activity. Enhanced stability may preclude the need for added heparin in formulations of FGF1 for therapeutic use. Additionally, the enhanced thermal stability may translate to a longer shelf-life and minimization of aggregation during storage. The enhanced mitogenicity, which is possibly related to enhanced stability, may provide for use of smaller dosages for equivalent efficacy.