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.
