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CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE INFORMATIONThe MET gene encodes for a protein known as the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor and belongs to the family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). RTKs are the first link in a chain that sends signals from the outside of a cell to the parts inside the cell that control different cellular processes, such as cell division, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and cell migration. The HGF receptor is activated when another protein, HGF growth factor, attaches (binds) to it. The activated HGF receptor then activates other proteins inside the cell, leading to activation of a series of signaling pathways. One of these pathways (RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK) helps cells become able to perform specific tasks. Another pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) helps cells survive. Signaling along these pathways is important for the development of a baby in its very early (embryonic) stage, and for the development of muscles, nerves, blood vessels and kidneys.
Defects in the MET gene are a cause of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), a form of kidney cancer (papillary renal cell carcinoma) and stomach (gastric) cancer.
Source: Genetics Home Reference
MET encodes for the receptor tyrosine kinase hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor. The HGF receptor is activated by HGF growth factor and signals primarily through the MAP kinase cascade (RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK), thereby driving proliferation and cell survival. In adults, MET gene amplification has been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, papillary renal cell carcinoma and gastric cancer.
Source: Genetics Home Reference
One of the genetic alterations found in the gene encoding MET in cancer is called "exon 14 skipping". When the MET gene is transcribed and translated into the MET protein, the cell machinery "skips" one region (exon 14) of the code for the protein. The resulting MET protein is missing the portion coded by exon 14, and the resulting shorter protein is abnormal.
One of the genetic alterations found in the gene encoding MET in cancer is called "exon 14 skipping". When the MET gene is transcribed and translated into the MET protein, the cell machinery "skips" one region (exon 14) of the code for the protein. The resulting MET protein is missing the portion coded by exon 14, and the resulting shorter protein is abnormal.