Acts as a ligand for FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4 (By similarity). Also acts as an integrin ligand which is required for FGF2 signaling (By similarity). Binds to integrin ITGAV:ITGB3 (By similarity). Plays an important role in the regulation of cell survival, cell division, cell differentiation and cell migration (By similarity). Functions as a potent mitogen in vitro (By similarity). Can induce angiogenesis (By similarity). Mediates phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and thereby promotes retinal lens fiber differentiation (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Nucleus
Exported from cells by an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi-independent mechanism (By similarity). Unconventional secretion of FGF2 occurs by direct translocation across the plasma membrane (By similarity). Binding of exogenous FGF2 to FGFR facilitates endocytosis followed by translocation of FGF2 across endosomal membrane into the cytosol (By similarity). Nuclear import from the cytosol requires the classical nuclear import machinery, involving proteins KPNA1 and KPNB1, as well as CEP57 (By similarity).