Structure-Guided PEGylated Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Variants Accelerate Wound Healing With Improved Stability

The study explored the use of PEGylated fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) variants to improve wound healing by enhancing the stability and bioactivity of FGF2. Researchers developed site-specific PEGylated FGF2 variants, with compound 6 (PEG-FGF2C87A) showing the most significant results. This variant demonstrated superior stability in plasma and wound fluids, and effectively promoted cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in both in vitro and in vivo models. The study highlighted the potential of PEGylated FGF2, particularly compound 6, as a therapeutic candidate for wound healing, including under high glucose conditions, which is relevant for diabetic wounds. The findings were supported by data from 5 independent experiments, suggesting that site-specific PEGylation could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of FGF2 in wound healing applications.