Expression of HGF-SF in normal and malignant human tissues.

Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) also known as Scatter Factor (SF) is a multifunctional cytokine that primarily acts on epithelial cells. Its effects range from enhancement of cell proliferation and cell growth, stimulation of cell migration and motility, promotion of angiogenesis and morphogenesis to inhibition of tumor cell growth. HGF-SF and its receptor proto-oncogene c-met are expressed in a variety of normal embryonic and adult tissues of mouse, rabbit, rat, human and probably other vertebrates. Though the precise physiological function of this cytokine is not understood presently, a large body of experimental data is being rapidly compiled which may help to elucidate the role of HGF-SF in normal and abnormal growth and development. The goal of this chapter is to discuss the current knowledge concerning HGF-SF expression in normal and malignant tissues.