Hepatocyte growth factor triggers signaling cascades mediating vascular smooth muscle cell migration

Taher E.I. Taher, Patrick W.B. Derksen, Onno J. De Boer, Marcel Spaargaren, Peter Teeling, Allard C. Van der Wal, Steven T. Pals*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A key event in neointima formation and atherogenesis is the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into the intima. This is controlled by cytokines and extracellular matix (ECM) components within the microenvironment of the diseased vessel wall. At present, these signals have only been partially identified. In this study, we demonstrate that Met, the receptor tyrosine kinase for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), is expressed on VSMCs isolated from the intima of atherosclerotic plaques of carotid arteries. Stimulation with HGF led to activation of Met as well as to activation of PI3-K, PKB/Akt, MEK, and the MAP kinases Erk1 and -2. Moreover, HGF induced lamellipodia formation, a characteristic feature of motile cells, and promoted VSMC migration across fibronectin-coated filters. The HGF-induced cell migration was mediated by β1 integrins and required PI3-K activation. Our results suggest a role for the HGF-Met signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)80-86
Number of pages7
JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Volume298
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Hepatocyte growth factor
  • Met
  • Migration
  • Vascular smooth muscle cell

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