Human FGF18 is a member of the FGF family, a group of related proteins having broad mitogenic and cell survival activity. Members of this family have key roles in prenatal development, as well as postnatal growth and tissue regeneration. FGF18 promotes chondrogenesis, through interaction with FGFR3. It has been demonstrated to cause an increase in cartilage in a murine osteoarthritis model. It has also been implicated in the proliferation of tissues, notably the liver and small intestine. FGF18 also signals through FGFR 1c, 2c and 4. Recombinant Human FGF18 is a 20.4 kDa heparin binding growth factor.