Plays an important role in the regulation of embryonic development, cell proliferation and cell differentiation. Required for normal branching morphogenesis. May play a role in wound healing. Interacts with FGFR1 and FGFR2. Interacts with FGFBP1 (By similarity). Expressed abundantly in embryos and the lung, and at much lower levels in brain and heart. Belongs to the heparin-binding growth factors family.