HGF (Hepatocyte growth factor, scatter factor) is a protein secreted by mesenchymal cells that functions in paracrine cell motility, growth and morphogenesis, as well as embryogenesis, organ regeneration and wound healing. It targets epithelial cells, endothelial cells, oligodendrocyte precursor cells, hameopoietic progenitor cells and T cells to induce migration as well as proliferative and angiogenic processes. Levels of expression of HGF are positively correlated with number of neocortical GABAergic interneurons and decreased HGF levels are associated with susceptibility to seizures -- increasing HGF levels has been shown to help lower susceptibility. HGF can activate Schwann cells to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. It is also thought to be involved in atherogenesis and is found in atherosclerotic plaques. In immunohistochemistry, HGF has moderate extracellular and cytoplasmic positivity in most tissues throughout the body. References: Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:470418, PMID: 24490163; EXS. 1993;65:225-49, PMID: 8422545; Exp Cell Res. 2001 Jul 15;267(2):258-66, PMID: 11426944; Atherosclerosis. 2002 Sep;164(1):79-87; Atherosclerosis. 2002 Sep;164(1):79-87, PMID: 12119196; Scientific Reports. 2018. 8 (8316), DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26704-x; J Neurosci Res. 2002 Sep 1;69(5):597-606, PMID: 12210825;