Description_x000D_ General description_x000D_ HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) is a multifunctional heterodimeric mitogen, with a relative molecular mass (Mr) of 82,000, consisting of a large α-subunit of Mr 69,000 and a small β -subunit of Mr 34,000. The pre-pro precursor protein is composed of 728 residues. HGF is produced by mesenchymal cells._x000D_ Biochem/physiol Actions_x000D_ HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) functions as a ligand for tyrosine kinase receptor Met. Through interaction with Met receptor, it modulates mitogenesis, motility, and morphogenesis in a cell-specific manner. It is implicated in the growth and scattering of specific cell types, EMT (epithelial mesenchymal transition), formation of lumens and tubules, and angiogenesis. HGF-Met is also involved in neural induction, hepatic regeneration, wound healing, and normal fetal development. In primary culture, HGF acts as a strong mitogen for mature parenchymal hepatocytes, and is thought to be a hepatotrophic factor which induces liver regeneration post-partial hepatectomy and liver injury. In HER2-positive patients with metastatic gastric cancer, the serum level of this protein is linked with the outcome and resistance to trastuzumab therapy._x000D_ Physical form_x000D_ Lyophilized in solution of 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, with 1 M NaCl._x000D_ Preparation Note_x000D_ Centrifuge the vial prior to opening._x000D_ Reconstitution_x000D_ Reconstitute in sterile PBS containing 0.1% endotoxin-free recombinant human serum albumin.