Hepatocyte growth factor is a multifunctional peptide signaling hormone involved in tissue regeneration, epithelial repair, cellular migration, angiogenesis, organ development, and regulation of survival signaling pathways. HGF functions as a potent regenerative mediator that supports recovery and structural adaptation following tissue injury.
The hormone stimulates cellular motility, proliferation, morphogenesis, and anti-apoptotic signaling in epithelial and endothelial tissues. HGF also contributes to liver regeneration, wound healing, vascular adaptation, and communication between stromal and epithelial cell populations. Through these actions, it coordinates tissue remodeling and regenerative growth responses in multiple organ systems.
HGF is produced mainly by mesenchymal cells including fibroblasts, stromal cells, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and connective tissue structures. It is synthesized as an inactive precursor that requires proteolytic cleavage to generate biologically active HGF.
Production increases during tissue injury, inflammatory activation, organ regeneration, and wound-healing responses. Local synthesis allows paracrine communication between connective tissue environments and epithelial target cells requiring repair or growth support.
HGF production is regulated by inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, tissue injury, extracellular matrix remodeling, hypoxia, and regenerative signaling pathways. Mechanical tissue stress and wound-associated signaling can substantially increase expression.
HGF acts through the MET receptor tyrosine kinase located on epithelial cells, endothelial cells, hepatocytes, and additional tissues. Activation stimulates MAP kinase pathways, PI3K-AKT signaling, STAT pathways, and cytoskeletal remodeling systems involved in migration and survival responses. Receptor degradation and phosphatase-mediated pathways help regulate signaling duration. Through these integrated regenerative signaling systems, HGF coordinates tissue repair, epithelial regeneration, angiogenesis, and structural adaptation after injury.
HGF coordinates epithelial repair, controlled motility, and survival via MET-mediated RTK signaling.
