DEVELOPMENTAL ROLES OF HGF SF AND ITS RECEPTOR, THE C-MET TYROSINE KINASE/

A number of developmental processes that involve cell migration, growt h or morphogenesis depend on extracellular signals. A molecule that pr ovides such signals, known as hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF), has attracted considerable interest in recent years because of its distinct structure, mechanism of activation and important roles throughout embryogenesis. This review discusses the main features of HGF/SF and its receptor, the product of the c-met protooncogene, and t heir role in embryogenesis.