Genomic organization, chromosomal localization and developmental expression of hepatocyte growth factor-like protein

Hepatocyte growth factor is a multi-functional protein that elicits different biological responses in a tissue- or cell-specific manner. We have isolated the cDNA and gene for a previously unidentified protein that has the identical domain composition as hepatocyte growth factor. We have called this novel protein "hepatocyte growth factor-like protein". Both proteins contain four kringle domains followed by a serine protease-like domain. Overall, the two proteins are only about 50% identical. The human gene for hepatocyte growth factor-like protein has been localized to locus p21 on chromosome 3, where one or more tumor suppressor genes may be located. Although the biological function of HGF-like protein has not been determined we have localized the major site of synthesis to the liver. Whether this newly identified member of the hepatocyte growth factor family of proteins is involved in the development and differentiation of the liver remains to be determined.