Molecular cloning and characterization of cDNA encoding mouse hepatocyte growth factor.

A cDNA encoding mouse hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been cloned and completely sequenced by use of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and subsequent cloning. Sequence analysis reveals that mouse HGF, similar to its human and rat counterparts, consists of 728 amino acids, and both the alpha- and beta-chains are encoded in a single open reading frame. Strong homology exists in the primary structure of HGF among the three species of mouse, rat and human (more than 90%), especially in Kringle 1 of the alpha chain which is assumed to be an essential domain for binding of HGF to its receptor, c-MET, a proto-oncogene product. Our results suggest the existence of evolutionary pressure to conserve the distinct structure, and presumably the biological functions, of HGF.