Hepatocyte growth factor

Hepatocyte Growth Factor

Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) /hɪˈpætəˌsaɪt ˈgroʊθ ˈfæk.tər/ is a paracrine cellular growth, motility and morphogenic factor. It is secreted by mesenchymal cells and targets and acts primarily upon epithelial cells and endothelial cells, but also acts on haemopoietic progenitor cells and T cells. It has been shown to have a major role in embryonic organ development, specifically in gastric organogenesis, angiogenesis and in kidney formation. In the adult, HGF has been demonstrated to play a role in tissue regeneration, wound healing, and in the formation of scarring in response to injuries.

Etymology

The term "Hepatocyte Growth Factor" is derived from the Greek words "hepar" meaning liver, "kytos" meaning cell, and "trophe" meaning nourishment. The factor was named for its ability to stimulate the growth of hepatocytes or liver cells.

Related Terms

Mesenchymal: Refers to the type of cells that secrete HGF. These cells are found in the connective tissue of the body.
Paracrine: A form of cell communication where a cell produces a signal to induce changes in nearby cells, altering the behavior or differentiation of those cells.
Epithelial: Refers to the cells that HGF primarily targets and acts upon. These cells line the surfaces of organs and structures in the body.
Endothelial: Refers to the cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, forming an interface between circulating blood or lymph in the lumen and the rest of the vessel wall.
Haemopoietic: Refers to the formation of blood cellular components.
Angiogenesis: The physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels.
Gastric: Pertaining to the stomach.