Abstract: A method of screening for a protein involved in the extracellular regulation of latent TGF? activation by transducing a cell line with a retroviral cDNA library to create a reporter cell line that produces green fluorescent protein (GFP) in response to TGF-? signaling; growing individual clones created by the reporter cell line; co-culturing each individual clone with a second TGF-? reporter cell line that produces luciferase in response to TGF-?, wherein the luciferase production identifies positive clones; and identifying a mechanism of latent TGF-? activation that is employed by the positive clones. A TGF? reporter cell line including a cell line; and a retroviral cDNA library, wherein the reporter cell line produces GFP in response to TGF-? signaling. A method of screening for gene products involved in a biological process.

Abstract: An isolated DNA sequence encoding an angiogenic factor protein consisting of a single-polypeptide-chain protein having at least one active site possessing mitotic and chemotactic activity and the ability to stimulate protease synthesis, wherein said protein consists of the amino acid sequence: ##STR1## In a preferred embodiment, the DNA sequence encodes basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).

Abstract: An angiogenic factor is disclosed which is a purified, single-polypeptide-chain protein having at least one active site possessing an activity selected from the group consisting of mitogenic activity, chemotactic activity, the ability to stimulate protease synthesis and combinations thereof. This angiogenic factor exhibits substantial homology to and is immunologically equivalent to the native angiogenic factor isolatable from human placental tissues. The amino acid sequence of this angiogenic factor is also disclosed. In addition, a method for isolation of the purified angiogenic factor from human placental tissues is set forth. Pharmaceutical preparations incorporating this angiogenic factor are described.