FGF2, also known as a basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and FGF-β, is a growth factor and signaling protein encoded by the FGF2 gene. FGF2 has been shown in preliminary animal studies to protect the heart from injury associated with a heart attack, reducing tissue death and promoting improved function after reperfusion. FGF-2 (bFGF) are also involved in a variety of biological processes, including embryonic development, morphogenesis, tissue repair, tumor growth, and invasion. Additionally, FGF-2 (bFGF) is frequently used for a critical component of cell culture medium, e.g., human embryonic stem cell culture medium, serum-free culture systems.