A fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor including a basic fibroblast growth factor receptor has been purified. Various forms have been identified including soluble forms lacking any transmembrane segment. DNA sequences encoding full-length fibroblast growth factor receptors and polypeptides comprising a portion of an FGF-R ligand-binding domain have been isolated and sequenced. These DNAs include DNAs encoding for a basic FGF-R and a human FGF-R and are operably linked to control sequences and expressed in a culture of a compatible host transformed, transfected or electroporated by a cloning vehicle containing the DNA sequence. The invention also comprises antibodies to the receptor, methods of synthesizing the growth factor receptor proteins, methods for providing analogs of the fibroblast growth factor receptors. Methods for evaluating compositions which promote or inhibit fibroblastic growth factors and compositions which are agonistic or antagonistic to fibroblast growth factor receptors are also provided. Diagnostic and therapeutic uses are described.