HGF

Alias: Hepatocyte Growth Factor, scatter factor

HGF is a paracrine multifunctional growth factor. HGF is produced in the liver as well as human platelets, kidney, serum, placenta, lung and spleen. HGF is a mesenchymally derived heparin-binding glycoprotein that is secreted as a single-chainbiologically inert precursor. HGF is coverted to its biologically active pro-HGF form via proteolytic cleavage in response to various signals such as tissue damage. In its active form, HGF binds to and activates the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met (HGFR) that is expressed in normal epithelium of almost every tissue as well as other cell types that include melanocytes, endothelial cells, microglial cells, neurons, hematopoietic cells, and a variety of tumor cell lines. Once bound, HGF acts as a mitogen, a motogen, and a morphogen as well as a potent anti-inflammatory agent that is involved in the inflammatory response by intercepting NFκB signaling and subsequently disrupting the expression of NFκB-dependent proinflammatory mediators. HGF is also a potent stimulator of angiogenesis and cancer metastasis through its interaction with c-Met to stimulate chemotaxis and growth of malignant cells. HGF is elevated in serum of liver disease patients, and also in patients with various kinds of cancers.