Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) (HDGF)

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a multi-functional heparin-binding protein that belongs to a unique family of growth factors characterized by a conserved N-terminal PWWP domain (HATH region). It operates through dual mechanisms: as a secreted mitogen that binds to cell surface receptors to activate the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, and as a nuclear protein that regulates gene transcription by binding to DNA. HDGF is ubiquitously expressed during development and plays roles in organogenesis and tissue repair, but its overexpression is strongly linked to the progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis of various malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. In the context of cancer, it promotes cell survival, angiogenesis, and resistance to chemotherapy. While primarily studied as a pro-oncogenic factor, HDGF has also shown neuroprotective properties in models of neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's. Therapeutic strategies targeting HDGF, including monoclonal antibodies and small molecules like Vitamin K2, are being explored to inhibit its mitogenic and anti-apoptotic effects in oncology.

Other names

High mobility group protein 1-like 2 [1.2.1]HMG-1L2Heparin-binding growth factorHMG1L2

Inhibition of HDGF-mediated signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK) and suppression of its transcriptional regulatory activity to induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis.