HGF (32-285) Human

Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor (HDGF) is a protein that was initially identified in research aimed at discovering novel growth factors for hepatoma cells. HDGF is a member of a new gene family that includes four related proteins. This protein plays a significant role in cell growth, angiogenesis, and apoptosis, making it a crucial factor in both normal physiological processes and the progression of various malignant diseases .

HDGF was first purified from the conditioned medium of a hepatoma cell line. The protein is composed of 285 amino acids, with the recombinant form typically including the amino acids from position 32 to 285. This truncated form retains the biological activity of the full-length protein and is often used in research and therapeutic applications .

HDGF functions as a growth factor, angiogenic factor, and anti-apoptotic factor. It is ubiquitously expressed in non-cancerous tissues and is involved in organ development and tissue repair. In cancerous tissues, HDGF expression is often elevated, and it contributes to tumor growth and progression by promoting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and resistance to apoptosis .

The high expression of HDGF has been closely associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes in several malignant diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Studies have shown that HDGF promotes the proliferation of HCC cells and that reducing its expression can inhibit tumor growth. This makes HDGF a potential target for therapeutic interventions in cancer treatment .