A Role for Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Scatter Factor in Regulating Normal and Neoplastic Cells of Reproductive Tissues

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Abstract
To review data regarding the expression, function, and signal transduction pathways associated with hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) as related to normal and neoplastic cells of reproductive tissues. Studies involving HGF/SF were reviewed and the data were summarized. Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor is generally expressed within the stromal components of the testis, prostate, placenta, mammary gland, uterine endometrium, and ovary. The receptor for HGF/SF, c-met, is expressed in the epithelial cells of these tissues. Ligand activation of c-met results in its autotyrosine phosphorylation and the subsequent stimulation of numerous signal transduction pathways. Which pathways are activated determine in part the effect that HGF/SF has on a specific tissue. Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor can promote a variety of biologic responses including mitosis, motogenesis (i.e., cell movement), differentiation, and apoptosis. In addition, both HGF/SF and c-met continue to be expressed during the neoplastic transformation of cells from these reproductive tissues. Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor plays an important role in regulating the physiologic function of several reproductive tissues and may also be involved in the oncogenesis of cells within these tissues.

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