HGF is a potent, mesenchymally-derived mitogen for mature parenchymal hepatocytes, and acts as a growth factor for a broad spectrum of tissues and cell types. HGF signals through a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor known as MET. Activities of HGF include the induction of cell proliferation, motility, morphogenesis, inhibition of cell growth, and enhancement of neuron survival. HGF is a crucial mitogen for liver regeneration processes, especially after partial hepatectomy and other liver injuries. Human and murine HGF are cross-reactive. Murine HGF is expressed as a linear, polypeptide-precursor glycoprotein containing 696 amino acid residues. Proteolytic processing of this precursor generates the biologically active heterodimeric form of HGF, which consists of two polypeptide chains (alpha-chain and beta-chain) held together by a single disulfide bond resulting in formation of a biologically active heterodimer. The alpha-chain consists of 463 amino acid residues and four kringle domains. The beta-chain consists of 233 amino acid residues. Recombinant Murine HGF is a 79.3 kDa polypeptide consisting of 696 amino acid residues.
