SU5416 is a potent inhibitor of hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met) and blocks HGF-induced invasiveness of human HepG2 hepatoma cells.

Background/aims: SU5416 is a potent inhibitor of receptor tyrosine kinases, including those of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, stem cell factor receptor, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Because of the overwhelming evidence favoring the role of aberrant hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/Met signaling in the pathogenesis of various human cancers, various inhibitor strategies have been employed to therapeutically target this receptor.

Methods: Cell proliferation was determined by incorporation of [(3)H] thymidine.