Effects of Fibroblast Growth Factors 19 and 20 on Cell Multiplication and Locomotion in a Human Embryonal Carcinoma Cell Line (Tera-2) In Vitro

Abstract

Background: The effects of two recently discovered heparin binding growth factors, FGF-19 and FGF-20, on the human embryonal carcinoma derived cell line Tera 2 were examined. Materials and Methods: Cell numbers, as well as cell migration were examined at the clonal level by light microscopy. Results: FGF-19, as well as FGF-20 promoted Tera 2 cell multiplication. Whereas FGF-20 promoted cell multiplication at low doses, FGF-19 was required at high doses to achieve a comparable effect. Moreover, FGF-19 did not significantly stimulate cell locomotion, while FGF-20 promoted cell motility at high doses. Conclusion: FGF-19 and FGF-20 qualitatively exert different effects on cell survival and cell locomotion.