Creative Bioarray

Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) is a multifunctional cytokine primarily involved in liver regeneration, wound healing, and tissue repair. It is secreted mainly by mesenchymal cells and acts primarily on hepatocytes, the main functional cells of the liver, promoting their proliferation, survival, and migration. HGF is notable for its role in diverse biological processes, including angiogenesis, cell motility, and the modulation of immune response. This growth factor operates through its receptor, c-Met, which, when activated, triggers various signaling pathways such as the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, crucial for cellular functions and adaptations. In addition to its hepatic roles, HGF has been implicated in various other tissues and organs, reflecting its importance in development and homeostasis. Dysregulation of HGF and its signaling can contribute to pathologies, including cancer, where altered expression of HGF and c-Met is associated with tumor growth and metastasis. Given its pivotal biological functions, HGF has gained attention as a potential therapeutic target in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy, highlighting its significance in both basic and clinical research.