HGF/SF modifies the interaction between its receptor c-Met, and the E-cadherin/catenin complex in prostate cancer cells.

The effect of HGF/SF on the association between the E-cadherin/catenin complex and the tyrosine kinase receptor c-Met, was examined in prostate cancer cells LNCap FGC. Stimulation by HGF/SF showed E-cadherin and beta-catenin to be co-precipitated and located at areas of cell-cell contact with the HGF/SF receptor c-Met, as detected by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence respectively. Furthermore, continued exposure to this motogen increased the level of co-precipitations between the E-cadherin/catenin complex with c-Met, and also increased tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Met. In contrast, continued stimulation by HGF/SF decreased the level of co-localised peripheral staining and increased the level of cytoplasmic staining. In conclusion, the association between the E-cadherin/catenin complex with the HGF/SF receptor c-Met, may influence or regulate intercellular adhesion in prostate cancer following stimulation by HGF/SF.