HGF and c-Met participate in paracrine tumorigenic pathways in head and neck squamous cell cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

We determined hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and c-Met expression and signaling in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells and primary tissues and tested the ability of c-Met tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) to block HGF-induced biological signaling.

Experimental design

Expression and signaling were determined using immunoblotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. Biological end points included wound healing, cell proliferation, and invasion. c-Met TKIs were tested for their ability to block HGF-induced signaling and biological effects in vitro and in xenografts established in nude mice.

Results

c-Met was expressed and functional in HNSCC cells. HGF was secreted by HNSCC tumor-derived fibroblasts, but not by HNSCC cells. Activation of c-Met p

SUBMITTER: Knowles LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3159511 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature