Met activation and receptor dimerization in cancer: a role for the Sema domain

Cell Cycle. 2005 May;4(5):683-5. doi: 10.4161/cc.4.5.1688. Epub 2005 May 25.

Abstract

Ligand dependent activity of receptor tyrosine kinases is critical for modulating downstream signaling and cell proliferation. In normal cellular context, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) regulates MET kinase activation and mediates cell proliferation, migration and motility. Recent elucidation of the MET extracellular domain suggests that the Sema domain, which bears structural similarity to other Semaphorins and Plexin family members, plays a critical role in ligand mediated receptor activation. Overexpression of MET which is observed in many cancers leads to ligand independent receptor dimerization and activation. Evidence to support a role for the Sema domain in cancer and therapeutic implications of targeting the Met Sema domain are discussed in this review.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Dimerization
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Enzyme Activation / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met / chemistry*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met / metabolism*
  • Semaphorins / chemistry

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Ligands
  • Semaphorins
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met