response to hepatocyte growth factor

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a hepatocyte growth factor stimulus. [GOC:bf]

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a critical role in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, migration, survival, and angiogenesis. Its primary function is to promote the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues, particularly in the liver, where it acts as a potent mitogen and motogen for hepatocytes. The response to HGF involves a complex cascade of signaling events initiated by the binding of HGF to its receptor tyrosine kinase, MET.

Upon binding, MET undergoes dimerization and autophosphorylation, activating downstream signaling pathways that are crucial for cellular responses. These pathways include:

- **RAS/MAPK pathway:** This pathway stimulates cell proliferation and differentiation by activating a cascade of kinases, including Ras, Raf, MEK, and ERK.
- **PI3K/AKT pathway:** This pathway promotes cell survival and growth by activating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which in turn phosphorylates AKT, a serine/threonine kinase.
- **SRC pathway:** This pathway contributes to cell migration and invasion by activating Src, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase.

Activation of these pathways leads to a variety of cellular responses, including:

- **Hepatocyte proliferation:** HGF stimulates the growth and division of hepatocytes, contributing to liver regeneration after injury.
- **Hepatocyte migration:** HGF promotes the movement of hepatocytes towards the site of injury, facilitating tissue repair.
- **Angiogenesis:** HGF stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, providing oxygen and nutrients to the regenerating liver.
- **Cell survival:** HGF inhibits apoptosis, promoting the survival of damaged hepatocytes.

The response to HGF is finely regulated by a variety of factors, including the availability of HGF, the expression and activity of MET, and the activation of downstream signaling pathways. Dysregulation of HGF signaling can contribute to various liver diseases, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer. Therefore, understanding the complex mechanisms of HGF signaling is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies for liver disorders.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)