Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor Dynamics in Cancer Progression
Summary
Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor (HDGF) is a multifunctional protein originally identified in liver cancer cells and now recognised as a pivotal regulator across a range of malignancies. HDGF functions both as a nuclear mitogen and as a secreted factor that engages cell surface receptors to activate intracellular signalling cascades. These pathways include PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK, which drive cell proliferation, survival and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. HDGF also promotes angiogenesis by up-regulating pro-angiogenic mediators and by stabilising hypoxia-inducible factors under normoxic conditions. In epithelial tumours, HDGF enhances migratory and invasive behaviour through modulation of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) programme and by increasing matrix metalloproteinase activity. Clinically, elevated HDGF expression correlates with advanced stage, lymphovascular invasion and poorer overall survival in diverse solid cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that HDGF may form positive feedback loops with oncogenic transcription factors and microRNAs, amplifying tumour growth and metastatic potential. Given its cell-surface accessibility and nuclear functions, HDGF represents a compelling target for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at reverting aggressive phenotypes and overcoming drug resistance.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor Dynamics in Cancer Progression publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in hepatoma-derived growth factor dynamics in cancer progression across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor (HDGF): A nuclear and secreted protein that stimulates cell proliferation, survival and angiogenesis in tumours.
Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, supporting tumour growth and metastasis.
Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT): A cellular programme whereby epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal traits, increasing motility and invasiveness.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI): A class of targeted therapies that block enzymatic activity of receptor tyrosine kinases involved in cancer cell signalling.
MicroRNA (miRNA): Small non-coding RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by targeting mRNA for degradation or translational repression.
References
- HDGF promotes gefitinib resistance by activating the PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling pathways in non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Death Discovery (2023).
- Novel HDGF/HIF-1α/VEGF axis in oral cancer impacts disease prognosis. BMC Cancer (2019).
- Downregulated expression of hepatoma-derived growth factor inhibits migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and MMP2, MMP9. PLOS ONE (2018).
- Prognostic Role of Hepatoma-derived Growth Factor in Solid Tumors of Eastern Asia: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention (2015).
- MicroRNA-139-5p inhibits cell viability, migration and invasion and suppresses tumor growth by targeting HDGF in non-small cell lung cancer. Oncology Letters (2020).
- Positive feedback loop of hepatoma-derived growth factor and β-catenin promotes carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer. Oncotarget (2015).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.