HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) is a multifunctional heterodimeric mitogen, with a relative molecular mass (M_r) of 82,000, consisting of a large α-subunit of M_r 69,000 and a small β -subunit of M_r 34,000. The pre-pro precursor protein is composed of 728 residues. HGF is produced by mesenchymal cells.

The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene is located on human chromosome 7q21.1. It has 18 exons, 17 introns and spans approximately 70 kb. Active HGF is made up of a heavy chain and a light chain, connected covalently with the help of a disulfide bridge.

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.

HGF exhibits mitogenic, motogenic and morphogenic effects in various tissues.

Lyophilized in solution of 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, with 1 M NaCl.

Centrifuge the vial prior to opening.

Reconstitute in sterile PBS containing 0.1% endotoxin-free recombinant human serum albumin.