Combined Action of GDNF and HGF Up-Regulates Axonal Growth by Increasing ERK1/2 Phosphorylation.

A stimulating effect of a combination of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and glial neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on the growth of neurites in the spinal ganglion model was demonstrated. The mechanism of neurite growth in the spinal ganglion model is associated with transactivation of HGF c-met receptor in the presence of both HGF and GDNF. The combination of HGF and GDNF significantly activated mitogenic signaling cascade mediated by protein kinases ERK1/2, which can be a mechanism for increasing the number of neurites. Our findings can be used for developing effective methods for restoring impaired peripheral nerve function after traumatic and ischemic injury using a combination of GDNF and HGF.