Cell confluence regulates hepatocyte growth factor-stimulated cell morphogenesis in a beta-catenin-dependent manner.

ABSTRACT: Following organ injury, morphogenic epithelial responses can vary depending on local cell density. In the present study, the role of cell confluence in determining the responsiveness of renal epithelial cells to the dedifferentiating morphogenic signals of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was examined. Increasing confluence resulted in a greater tendency of cells to organize into epithelial tubes and a significant decrease in migratory responsiveness to HGF. Analysis of downstream signaling revealed that the HGF receptor c-Met was equally activated in confluent and nonconfluent cells following HGF stimulation but that phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent activation of Akt and Rac were selectively diminished in confluent cells. In nonconfluent cells treated with HGF, the high level of Akt acti

SUBMITTER: Ishibe S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1698536 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature