A heparin-binding protein having covalently bonded heparan sulfate sugar
chains within its molecule is produced by ligating a cDNA encoding a
peptide which can be modified with heparan sulfate sugar chains
selectively to a cDNA encoding a heparin-binding protein and producing in
an animal cell the gene product of the resultant ligated cDNA. This
heparan sulfate sugar chain-modified heparin-binding protein is
functionalized by covalently bonding thereto glycosaminoglycan sugar
chains containing little chondroitin sulfate. For example, this
heparin-binding protein is excellent in stabilities, such as
thermostability, acid resistance, alkali resistance and in vivo
stability. Further, the heparan sulfate sugar chain-modified
heparin-binding protein is effective in cell proliferation and tissue
regeneration, and has effect of regulating the physiological functions of
FGFs. Thus, this heparin-binding protein is extremely useful as a
medicine for preventing or treating various FGF-related diseases.