Scatter factor and the c-met receptor: a paradigm for mesenchymal/epithelial interaction.

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Abstract
Epithelia and mesenchyme interact during various physiologic and pathologic processes. Scatter factor is a mesenchyme-derived cytokine that stimulates motility, proliferation, and morphogenesis of epithelia. Recent studies suggest that scatter factor and its receptor (c-met) mediate mesenchyme/epithelia signalling and even interconversion. In this mini-review, we will discuss how scatter factor and c-met may mediate interactions between mesenchyme and epithelia during embryogenesis, organ repair, and neoplasia.