The biological role of HGF-MET axis in tumor growth and development of metastasis

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor MET play an important role in cancer growth and metastasis. Activation of MET elicit multiple cellular responses regulating cell survival, morphogenesis, adhesion, migration, breakdown of extracellular matrix (ECM) and angiogenesis. Numerous disorders related to deregulation of HGF-MET axis have been reported. Thus, new therapeutic agents targeting HGF-MET signaling have been sought. Here, we will present data describing the role of HGF-MET axis in growth and metastasis of tumor cells together with the recent approaches to block this axis.