HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor)/SF (Scatter Factor) is a mesenchymal- or stromal-derived multipotent heparan sulfate-binding and dermatan sulfate-binding pleiotropic polypeptide that mediates epithelial-mesenchymal interactions with mitogenic, motogenic and morphogenic activities towards many normal and neoplastic epithelial cells. Initially identified as a potent hepatotrophic factor responsible for vigorous regeneration of the liver, it has now become a well characterized multipotent cytokine with biological functions that reach far beyond the original identifications, operating in virtually every tissue of the body, the cellular targets being the hepatocytes and other epithelial cells, melanocytes, endothelial and haematopoietic cells (Ref.1). During embryogenesis, HGF stimulates cell proliferation (e.g. placental cytotrophoblasts), differentiation, motility and invasiveness, induces angiogenesis, is involved in haematopoiesis, chondrogenesis, and supports organogenesis and morphogenesis of various [...]