AIM:To explore the role of SF/HGF-Met autocrine andparacrine in metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:SF/HGF and c-met transcription and proteinexpression in HCC were examined by RT-PCR and WesternBlot In 4 HCC cell lines,including HepG2,Hep3B,SMMC7721 and MHCC-1,the last cell line had a higherpotential of metastasis,sf/hgf cDNA was transfected by themethod of Upofectin into SMMC7721.SF/HGF and c-metantibody were used to stimulate and block SF/HGF-c-metsignal transduction.Cell morphology,mobility,andprollferation were respectively compared by microscopicobservation,wound healing assay and cell growth curve.RESULTS:HCC malignancy appeared to be relative to itsmet-SF/HGF expression.In MHCC-1,c-met expression wasmuch stronger than that in other cell lines with lowerpotential of metastasis and only SF/HGF autocrine existed inMHCC-1.After sf/hgf cDNA transfection or conditionedmedium of MHCC-1 stimulation,SMMC7721 changed intoelongated morphology,and the abilities of proliferation(P<0.05)and mobility increased.Such bio-activity could beblocked by c-met antibody (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The system of SF/HGF-c-met autocrine andparacrine played an Important role in development andmetastasis potential of HCC.Inhibition of SF/HGF-c-metsignal tmnsduction system may reduce the growth andmetastasis of HCC. AIM: To explore the role of SF/HGF-Met autocrine and paracrine in metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: SF/HGF and c-met transcription and protein expression in HCC were examined by RT-PCR and WesternBlot In 4 HCC cell lines , including HepG2, Hep3B, SMMC7721 and MHCC-1, the last cell line had a higherpotential of metastasis, sf/hgf cDNA was transfected by the method of Upofectin into SMMC7721.SF/HGF and c-metantibody were used to stimulate and block SF/ HGF-c-metsignal transduction.Cell morphology,mobility,andprollferation was antiviral observation,wound healing assay and cell growth curve.RESULTS:HCC malignancy appeared to be relative to itsmet-SF/HGF expression.In MHCC-1,c- Met expression was higher than that in other cell lines with lowerpotential of metastasis and only SF/HGF autocrine existed in MHCC-1.After sf/hgf cDNA transfection or conditioned medium of MHCC-1 stimulation, SMMC7721 changed into elongated morphological, and the abilities of prolifera Tion (P<0.05) and mobility increased.Such bio-activity could be blocked by c-met antibody (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The system of SF/HGF-c-met autocrine and paracrine played an Important role in development andmetastasis potential of HCC.Inhibition of SF/HGF-c-metsignal tmnsduction system may reduce the growth and metastasis of HCC.