A human Criptin Growth Factor polypeptide (CGF) and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for wound healing or tissue regeneration, stimulating implant fixation and angiogenesis. Antagonist against such polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to treat and/or prevent neoplasia such as tumors is also disclosed. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in CGF nucleic acid sequences and altered levels of the CGF for the detection of cancer are also disclosed.