HGF/c-MET Signaling in Melanocytes and Melanoma.

ABSTRACT: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/ mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET) signaling is involved in complex cellular programs that are important for embryonic development and tissue regeneration, but its activity is also utilized by cancer cells during tumor progression. HGF and c-MET usually mediate heterotypic cell⁻cell interactions, such as epithelial⁻mesenchymal, including tumor⁻stroma interactions. In the skin, dermal fibroblasts are the main source of HGF. The presence of c-MET on keratinocytes is crucial for wound healing in the skin. HGF is not released by normal melanocytes, but as melanocytes express c-MET, they are receptive to HGF, which protects them from apoptosis and stimulates their proliferation and motility. Dissimilar to melanocytes, melanoma cells not only express

SUBMITTER: Czyz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6321285 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature