HGF

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)  is a paracrine cellular growth, motility and morphogenic factor. Activating ligand for the receptor tyrosine kinase MET by binding to it and promoting its dimerization. Hepatocyte growth factor is secreted by mesenchymal cells and acts as a multi-functional cytokine on cells of mainly epithelial origin. Its ability to stimulate mitogenesis, cell motility, and matrix invasion gives it a central role in angiogenesis, tumorogenesis, and tissue regeneration. In addition, HGF has been implicated in a variety of cancers, including of the lungs, pancreas, thyroid, colon, and breast.