Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) serve numerous regulatory functions in complex organisms, and their corresponding therapeutic potential is of growing interest to academics and industrial researchers alike. However, applications of these proteins are limited due to their low stability. Here we tackle this problem using a generalizable computer-assisted protein engineering strategy to create a unique modified FGF2 with nine mutations displaying unprecedented stability and uncompromised biological function. The data from the characterization of stabilized FGF2 showed a remarkable prediction potential of in silico methods and provided insight into the unfolding mechanism of the protein. The molecule holds a considerable promise for stem cell research and medical or pharmaceutical applications.

Enantis Ltd Biotechnology Incubator INBIT Brno Czech Republic

Faculty of Medicine Department of Biology Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic

Faculty of Science Department of Experimental Biology Loschmidt Laboratories Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment RECETOX Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic

Faculty of Science Department of Experimental Biology Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic

International Clinical Research Center St Anne's University Hospital Brno Czech Republic

References provided by Crossref.org

Structural analysis of the stable form of fibroblast growth factor 2 - FGF2-STAB

Computer-aided engineering of stabilized fibroblast growth factor 21

Quantitative and qualitative differences in the activation of a fibroblast growth factor receptor by different FGF ligands

Liposomes Affect Protein Release and Stability of ITA-Modified PLGA-PEG-PLGA Hydrogel Carriers for Controlled Drug Delivery

Fibroblast-induced mammary epithelial branching depends on fibroblast contractility

Computer-assisted stabilization of fibroblast growth factor FGF-18

Building the SynBio community in the Czech Republic from the bottom up: You get what you give

Lumbar Interbody Fusion Conducted on a Porcine Model with a Bioresorbable Ceramic/Biopolymer Hybrid Implant Enriched with Hyperstable Fibroblast Growth Factor 2

Healing and Angiogenic Properties of Collagen/Chitosan Scaffolds Enriched with Hyperstable FGF2-STAB® Protein: In Vitro, Ex Ovo and In Vivo Comprehensive Evaluation

3D Cell Culture Models Demonstrate a Role for FGF and WNT Signaling in Regulation of Lung Epithelial Cell Fate and Morphogenesis

Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Protein Stability Provides Decreased Dependence on Heparin for Induction of FGFR Signaling and Alters ERK Signaling Dynamics

CalFitter: a web server for analysis of protein thermal denaturation data