What are HGF Functions and Effects?
Understanding the functions and effects of HGF
The binding of HGF protein to T cell c-MET receptors upregulates CXCR3, c-MET, and CCR4 and facilitates its entry into heart tissues. Once HGF binds to the c-MET receptor, it activates the tyrosine kinase-signaling cascade and regulates cell motility, cell growth, and morphogenesis. HGF is a multifunctional cytokine and because of its ability to induce mitogenesis and matrix invasion, it plays a crucial part in tumorigenesis, tissue regeneration, and angiogenesis.
Research has shown HGF’s implications in oncogenesis. HGF interacts with HGFR, a c-MET oncogene protein product. Simultaneous expression of HGF-ligand results in both the autocrine activation of Met/HGFR and the overexpression of Met/HGFR receptors. Studies associate this simultaneous expression with oncogenesis. HGF interacts with dermatan sulfate and sulfate-glycosaminoglycans heparan sulfate. This interaction forms an HGF/c-MET complex that induces intracellular signals for HGF cell migration and cell division.
Research is well underway to exploit cardiomyocyte’s HGF plasmid DNA therapy for treating coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. HGF promotes angiogenesis and may help detect the chronicity of arthralgia. HGF are shown to stimulate normal development of mammary glands, and studies link its over-expression in the breasts with macromastia. Studies associate HGF with several cancers, including the pancreas, colon, lungs, thyroid, and breast.