Question 1

What is the Meaning of HGF/c-Met Pathway?

Accepted Answer

The HGF/c-Met Pathway describes the signaling cascade initiated by Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) binding to its receptor, c-Met, a receptor tyrosine kinase. This interaction is fundamental for regulating cell growth, survival, and motility. Pathway activation triggers intracellular events crucial for cellular function and tissue repair.

Question 2

What is the Context of HGF/c-Met Pathway?

Accepted Answer

This pathway operates across physiological systems, playing a role in embryonic development, organogenesis, and damaged tissue repair. It is active in processes requiring cellular rearrangement, like wound healing and organ regeneration. Dysregulation can contribute to pathological conditions, underscoring its importance in cellular homeostasis.

Question 3

What is the Significance of HGF/c-Met Pathway?

Accepted Answer

The HGF/c-Met pathway holds considerable clinical significance due to its frequent dysregulation in human cancers, where aberrant activation promotes tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Its involvement in fibrotic diseases and organ regeneration also offers therapeutic targets. Understanding this pathway aids in interpreting disease progression and developing targeted treatments.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of HGF/c-Met Pathway?

Accepted Answer

Upon HGF binding, the c-Met receptor undergoes dimerization and autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues. These phosphorylated tyrosines serve as docking sites for adaptor proteins, initiating diverse downstream cascades like PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, and STAT pathways. This ultimately influences gene expression and cellular behaviors such as proliferation, survival, and migration.

Question 5

What is the Application of HGF/c-Met Pathway?

Accepted Answer

Clinical applications for the HGF/c-Met pathway primarily involve developing targeted therapies for cancer patients with pathway overactivation or mutations. Small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies blocking HGF binding or c-Met activation are under investigation or approved for specific malignancies. Research also leverages this pathway's regenerative properties for tissue repair.

Question 6

What is the Metric of HGF/c-Met Pathway?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring the HGF/c-Met pathway involves assessing HGF protein levels in patient serum or plasma, which can correlate with disease activity. In tissue samples, c-Met expression and phosphorylation status are evaluated using immunohistochemistry or Western blot. Genetic analyses, like FISH or next-generation sequencing, detect c-Met gene amplification or activating mutations, informing personalized treatment.

Question 7

What is the Risk of HGF/c-Met Pathway?

Accepted Answer

Dysregulation of the HGF/c-Met pathway carries inherent risks, particularly its role in promoting tumor growth, invasion, and metastatic spread, contributing to disease progression and therapeutic resistance. Therapeutic inhibition may lead to side effects like gastrointestinal disturbances, peripheral edema, or altered liver function, necessitating careful patient monitoring. Resistance mechanisms can also emerge, limiting long-term efficacy, requiring alternative strategies.

HGF/c-Met Pathway

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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