In vitro regulation of HGF/SF expression

Studies of parameters which affect cellular proliferation, cellular differentiation and cell-cell interactions influencing cell behaviour are of particular interest. They can be used to identify and characterise molecules which, through changes in gene expression, induce or inhibit cell proliferation, differentiation and movement. Such studies are crucial, not only in the context of understanding growth and development, but also in understanding the processes of wound-healing and regeneration, tumour invasion and metastasis. Here we present a summary of some cell culture models which we have developed for the study of the above-mentioned phenomena, together with their application to studies of the regulation of HGF/SF expression.