Hepatocyte growth factor receptor

The Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR), also known as c-Met, is a protein encoded by the MET gene in humans. It is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is activated by the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The MET receptor is involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, cell motility, morphogenesis, and angiogenesis.

Structure

The MET protein is a single-pass transmembrane protein with an extracellular ligand-binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain. The extracellular domain is responsible for binding to HGF, while the intracellular domain transduces the signal into the cell.

Function

MET plays a critical role in embryonic development, organ regeneration, and wound healing. It is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process crucial for cancer metastasis.

Clinical significance

Abnormal MET signaling is implicated in various cancers, including lung cancer, gastric cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. Overexpression, amplification, or mutation of the MET gene can lead to oncogenesis. MET inhibitors are being developed as potential cancer therapies.

Interactions

MET interacts with several intracellular signaling molecules, including PI3K, STAT3, and Grb2, which are involved in downstream signaling pathways such as the MAPK/ERK pathway and the PI3K/AKT pathway.

See also

• Receptor tyrosine kinase
• Hepatocyte growth factor
• Cancer therapy

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