HGF SF INHIBITS JUNCTIONAL COMMUNICATION

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) is a fibroblast-deriv ed protein that affects the growth, motility, and differentiation of e pithelial and endothelial cells. We have investigated the effect of HG F/SF on junctional communication in mouse keratinocytes (MK cells). HG F/SF inhibited cell communication in MK cells as assessed by the trans fer of a low-molecular-weight dye, Lucifer Yellow, The inhibition was rapid, the earliest effects being apparent 5 to 10 min after addition of the factor, and was transient. The decrease in dye transfer correla ted with a loss of the gap junction protein connexin 43 as measured by Western blotting, probably due to increased protein degradation. The results show that junctional communication is an early target of HGF/S F activity and they are consistent with the hypothesis that gap juncti ons are primary targets of the action of growth factors. (C) 1995 Acad emic Press, Inc.