The Functions and Application Prospects of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Reproduction

Title:The Functions and Application Prospects of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Reproduction

Volume: 24 Issue: 5

Author(s): Xin Mi, Caiyi Chen, Chen Feng, Yingying Qin, Zi-Jiang Chen, Yajuan Yang*Shidou Zhao*

Affiliation:

• Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
• State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
• Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
• Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
• Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
• Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
• National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China

• Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
• State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
• Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
• Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
• Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
• Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
• National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China

Keywords: Hepatocyte growth factor, reproduction, c-Met, ovary, testis, morphogenesis.

Abstract: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is expressed in multiple systems and mediates a variety of biological activities, such as mitosis, motility, and morphogenesis. A growing number of studies have revealed the expression patterns and functions of HGF in ovarian and testicular physiology from the prenatal to the adult stage. HGF regulates folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis by modulating the functions of theca cells and granulosa cells in the ovary. It also mediates somatic cell proliferation and steroidogenesis, thereby affecting spermatogenesis in males. In addition to its physiological effects on the reproductive system, HGF has shown advantages in preclinical studies over recent years for the treatment of male and female infertility, particularly in women with premature ovarian insufficiency. This review aims to summarize the pleiotropic functions of HGF in the reproductive system and to provide prospects for its clinical application.

Cite this article as:

Mi Xin, Chen Caiyi, Feng Chen, Qin Yingying, Chen Zi-Jiang, Yang Yajuan*, Zhao Shidou*, The Functions and Application Prospects of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Reproduction, Current Gene Therapy 2024; 24 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0115665232291010240221104445