HGF

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF, also known as Scatter Factor) is among a group of factors possessing angiogenic ability. HGF was originally discovered as a fibroblast-derived cell motility factor for epithelial cells. It is synthesized by mesenchymal cells, fibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells. Active HGF is a heterodimer consists of a heavy chain (α chain, 62 kDa) and a light chain (β chain, 32-36 kDa), which are covalently linked by a disulfide bridge. HGF exerts its biological functions (i.e., proliferation/differentiation/survival/motogenesis) mediated by binding to the c-Met receptor. The HGF/c-Met signaling axis contributes in a paracrine manner to the development of epithelial organs, exerts regenerative effects on the epithelium, and promotes the regression of fibrosis in numerous organs. Additionally, the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway is correlated with the biology of cancer, neurons and immunity.