Sigma-Aldrich Hepatocyte Growth Factor Human (HGF, Hepatopoietin A, Scatter Factor)

General Description
The HGF gene spans ∼70 kb and consists of 18 exons interrupted by 17 introns. The organization of the human HGF gene is highly homologous to that of human plasminogen. HGF maps to the long arm of human chromosome 7, 7q21.1.
Biochem/Physiol Actions
HGF is a multifunctional cytokine that promotes mitogenesis, migration, invasion, and morphogenesis. It is a potent mitogen, stimulating the growth of hepatocytes, renal tubular epithelial cells, epidermal keratinocytes, epidermal melanocytes, Mv1Lu (mink lung epithelial cells), and BALB/MK (mouse keratinocytes). HGF inhibits the growth of B6/F1 (mouse melanoma) cells, KB (human squamous carcinoma) cells, and HepG2 (human hepatoma) cells. HGF is the ligand for the tyrosine kinase receptor encoded by the met proto-oncogene.
Other Notes
The NSO-expressed recombinant HGF is greater than 95% heterodimeric HGF. The insect cell line-expressed recombinant HGF is a mixture of single chain HGF (predominant) with some heterodimeric HGF. Single chain HGF and heterodimeric HGF are equally active in in vitro assays.
Physical Form
Lyophilized from a 0.2 μm filtered solution of 1x PBS.
Preparation Note
HumanKine HGF is expressed as a glycosylated 70 kDa single chain monomer in human HEK 293 cells. Production in human HEK 293 cells offers authentic glycosylation. Glycosylation contributes to stability in cell growth media and other applications.
Analysis Note
The specific activity was determined by the dose-dependent stimulation of the proliferation of the monkey epithelial cell line 4MBr-5.