What is hepatocyte growth factor?
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a gene coding protein involved in cell growth, homeostasis and regeneration. The HGF gene is activated by a binding to the receptor of the mesenchymal epithelial temporary factor (MET). In activation, this gene acts as a growth factor by promoting hepatocyte regeneration in STEM cells and progenitors. HGF imbalance is associated with many types of cancer and growth deficiencies. Previous names include deafness and autosomal recessive 39. The receptor of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGFR) is called C-MET. The growth factor of hepatocytes is synonymous with the growth factor/scattering of hepatocytes (HGF/SF) and is often referred to as HGF/SF in scientific literature.
HGF is a polypeptide secreted by mesenchymal cells that express themselves on epider cells. HGF cell response is mediated by threceptor Tyrosinkinase E C-MET. The disulphide bond between the alpha and the beta string activates the HGF, which binds to the C-MET and triggers tyrosinekinase signaling cascade. The final result is regenerationHepatocytes in stem cells and progenitor cells. The role of HGF in the growth of paracrin cells is also important for tissue regeneration, tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. Proper HGF secretion is essential for the organogenesis of the liver and other organs.
HGF and MET expression directly affects the cell growth cycle. If an insufficient level of HGF is present, growth can be covered. The liver can become small and almost exhausted by parenchymal cells in the absence of HGF. Too much HGF can lead to tumorigension, which means that if too much HGF is present, cancerous tumors may develop.
Connection with epithelial cells gives HGF a chance to promote the expression of another growth factor, the vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF). In this way, HGF affects angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is a normal part of the growth and healing process, but also contributes to tumorigension when HGF is inappropriately expressed incells.
HGF association with certain types of cancer is entrusted with cases of unbalanced HGF gene expression in cancer patients. The connection between cancer and HGF C-MET has become the goal for the development of molecular therapy.