Language
Country/Area
No result found
Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF): Why does it play a key role in cancer development?
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor MET play crucial roles in the human body, especially in the development and progression of cancer. Abnormal expression of the MET gene is closely related to the development of various cancers, including various malignant tumors such as kidney, liver, stomach and breast cancer. As medical research advances, we are becoming increasingly aware of MET's role in tumor growth and spread, yet the potential impact of this protein remains elusive.
Studies have shown that overexpression of HGF and its receptor MET can induce the proliferation and angiogenesis of tumor cells, providing necessary nutritional support for tumor growth.
Basic functions of MET
MET is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is activated by hepatocyte growth factor HGF. When HGF binds to the MET receptor, it leads to the dimerization and activation of MET, thereby affecting biological processes such as cell proliferation, survival, and motility. Under normal circumstances, MET is mainly expressed by cells of epithelial origin, but in cancer, its expression is abnormally enhanced, especially in cancer stem cells.
The role of MET in cancer
Abnormal MET activation is closely related to poor prognosis in various cancers. Research shows that activation of MET leads to tumor growth, blood vessel formation (i.e., angiogenesis), and cancer metastasis. In particular, overexpression of MET endows cancer stem cells with a greater ability to spread than normal stem cells, making the cancer significantly more aggressive. Specifically, MET promotes tumor development and metastasis to other organs by activating key oncogenic pathways such as RAS, PI3K, and STAT.
In the tumor microenvironment, abnormal activation of MET becomes a key factor in promoting cancer progression, making it an anti-cancer target.
The development of MET and its signaling pathways
The activation of MET involves not only the binding of HGF, but also the initiation of multiple signaling pathways. The HGF/MET signaling pathway triggers a variety of biological activities including growth inhibition, cell movement, and proliferation, which are collectively referred to as the invasive growth program. Through these pathways, MET can regulate the morphological transformation and proliferation ability of cells, playing an important role in embryonic development and tissue regeneration.
Clinical significance
MET's importance in cancer is not only reflected in its role as a promoter of tumor growth, but also in its potential impact on future therapies. For example, abnormal expression of MET has been associated with the development of various cancers, so therapeutic strategies targeting MET are being applied clinically. Targeted therapies such as MET kinase inhibitors and HGF inhibitors have been developed and have shown potential efficacy against a variety of cancers in clinical trials.
Effective anti-MET therapy may not only reduce tumor growth but also improve survival outcomes for cancer patients.
Conclusion
Although some progress has been made regarding the roles of HGF and MET in cancer, there are still many unknown areas for us to explore. Will MET become a core strategy for cancer treatment in the future?
