Expression of a human hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor cDNA in MDCK epithelial cells influences cell morphology, motility, and anchorage-independent growth.
The addition of exogenous hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/scatter factor (SF) to MDCK epithelial cells results in fibroblastic morphology and cell motility. We generated HGF/SF producing MDCK cells by transfection with an expression plasmid containing human HGF/SF cDNA. Production of HGF/SF by these cells induced a change from an epithelial to a fibroblastic morphology and increased cell motility. In addition, the HGF/SF producing cells acquired efficient anchorage-independent growth in soft agar but did not form tumors in nude mice. The morphological change and the stimulation of the anchorage-independent growth were prevented by anti-HGF/SF antibody, suggesting that the factor is secreted and then exerts its effects through cell surface receptors.
Uehara
Y
Y
Institute for Liver Research, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
Kitamura
N
N
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D002465:Cell Movement; D016764:Cell Polarity; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004285:Dogs; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D015870:Gene Expression; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology*; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor; D006801:Humans; D007158:Immunologic Techniques; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000502:physiology; D014162:Transfection
D006133:Growth Substances; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor