Hepatocyte growth factor-regulated genes in differentiated RAW 264.7 osteoclast and undifferentiated cells.

Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and its protooncogene receptor c-Met regulate osteoclast function by activating pp60(c-Src) kinase and alpha(v)beta3 integrin. HGF causes transcription yet in osteoclast cells, this gene regulation is currently unknown. To begin characterization of HGF-regulated gene expression in osteoclast cells, we used a well characterized model of osteoclast cells. Using microarray, relative RT-PCR, and Western blot analyses, we have identified and confirmed differentially expressed genes in RAW 264.7 osteoclast cells in response to HGF. HGF regulation of transcription of these genes was concordant with microarray results. We report that HGF downregulates transcription factors, Distal-less 5 (Dlx-5), Distal-less 6 (Dlx-6) and Aristaless 4 (Alx-4), in RAW 264.7 osteoclast cells but has an inverse effect in undifferentiated RAW 264.7 cells.