The HGF receptor family: unconventional signal transducers for invasive cell growth

Genes Cells. 1996 Apr;1(4):347-54. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2443.1996.37037.x.

Abstract

The HGF receptor family includes tyrosine kinases encoded by three oncogenes: MET, SEA and RON. The members of this gene family share a unique functional feature: they mediate cell dissociation and motility ('scattering') in physiological conditions, and invasiveness in their activated versions. The Met, Ron and Sea receptors display a distinctive signal transduction behaviour. Unlike conventional growth factor receptors, their cytoplasmic tails contain a multifunctional docking site. Upon autophosphorylation, this sequence simultaneously binds and activates multiple SH2-containing transducers, including Ras and PI 3-kinase. A deregulated activation of this 'supersite' triggers a dramatic pleiotropic signal which is responsible for invasive cell growth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Avian Proteins*
  • Cell Division / genetics
  • Cell Division / physiology*
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic* / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Multienzyme Complexes / physiology
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / physiology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / physiology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / physiology*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Avian Proteins
  • Multienzyme Complexes
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • sea protein, Gallus gallus
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met
  • RON protein
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases