Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (Feb 2020)

The Function of the HGF/c-Met Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

  • Haiyu Wang,
  • Haiyu Wang,
  • Benchen Rao,
  • Benchen Rao,
  • Jiamin Lou,
  • Jiamin Lou,
  • Jianhao Li,
  • Jianhao Li,
  • Zhenguo Liu,
  • Zhenguo Liu,
  • Ang Li,
  • Ang Li,
  • Guangying Cui,
  • Guangying Cui,
  • Zhigang Ren,
  • Zhigang Ren,
  • Zujiang Yu,
  • Zujiang Yu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2020.00055
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, leading to a large global cancer burden. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its high-affinity receptor, mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met), are closely related to the onset, progression, and metastasis of multiple tumors. The HGF/c-Met axis is involved in cell proliferation, movement, differentiation, invasion, angiogenesis, and apoptosis by activating multiple downstream signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on the function of the HGF/c-Met axis in HCC. The HGF/c-Met axis promotes the onset, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Moreover, it can serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a therapeutic target for HCC. In addition, it is closely related to drug resistance during HCC treatment.

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