Met

When HGF/SF activates c-Met, the first proteins to be activated downstream are Grb2 (growth factor receptor bound protein 2) and Gab 1 (growth factor receptor bound protein 2 associated binder 1). Grb2 in turn may activate a number of kinase pathways, including the pathway from Ras to Raf to Mek and to MAPK(mitogen-activated protein kinase). Gab 1 activates PI3K (phosphoinositide 3 kinase), which activates STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription). c-Met activation also induces activation of beta catenin, a key component of the wnt pathway, which translocates into the nucleus and participates in transcription regulation.The HGF/c-Met pathway plays an important role in the development of cancer. First through the activation of key oncogenic pathways (Ras, PI3K/STAT3, beta catenin), secondly through endothelial cell proliferation (neoangiogenesis), thirdly through increased protease production and hence cell dissociation leading to metastasis.