Acts as a carrier protein that release fibroblast-binding factors (FGFs) from the extracellular matrix (EM) storage and thus enhance the mitogenic activity of FGFs. Enhances FGF2 signaling during tissue repair, angiogenesis and in tumor growth.
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Extracellular space, Cell membrane
Extracellular and plasma membrane-associated. Colocalizes with HSPG2 in the pericellular environment of squamous cell carcinomas.
Expressed in the suprabasal region of the epidermis, in hair follicles, the basement membrane at the dermo-epidermal junction (occasionally extending into the basement membrane of dermal blood vessels), wounded skin and several invasive squamous cell carcinomas (at protein level). Expressed in normal and wounded skin and various squamous cell carcinomas.