Scatter Factor Receptor, also known as Met (hepatocyte growth factor receptor), is a transmembrane receptor protein that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including cell survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. It is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family and is primarily activated by the binding of its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) or scatter factor (SF).
The scatter factor receptor consists of an extracellular domain, a single-pass transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain with tyrosine kinase activity. Upon ligand binding, HGF induces receptor dimerization, followed by activation of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain, leading to autophosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues on the receptor.
The activation of scatter factor receptor triggers a complex signaling cascade involving various downstream effectors, including mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins. These signaling pathways regulate essential cellular processes like cell growth, survival, cytoskeletal rearrangement, migration, and tissue repair.
Abnormal activation or overexpression of the scatter factor receptor has been implicated in several pathological conditions, including cancer metastasis, tissue fibrosis, and developmental abnormalities. Inhibition of scatter factor receptor signaling has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for these diseases.
In conclusion, the scatter factor receptor is a transmembrane protein that plays a pivotal role in cellular processes through its activation by the hepatocyte growth factor ligand. Its downstream signaling pathways regulate various cellular functions and dysregulation of this receptor has been implicated in several diseases.
