20th Anniversary of Pharmaceuticals—Met Receptor

Dear Colleagues,

The MET receptor, also known as the MET proto-oncogene, was first discovered in the late 1980s as a novel tyrosine kinase receptor. Its significance in cancer biology was recognized when the receptor was found to be activated by the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a pleiotropic cytokine promoting cell growth, survival and migration. Genetic lesions of the MET proto-oncogene have been identified in various malignancies, contributing to tumor progression and metastasis. Such genetic alterations result in dysregulated signaling pathways that promote cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis and invasion, making the MET oncogene an attractive target for therapeutic interventions in cancer. Recent research has uncovered novel aspects of MET receptor biology, expanding our understanding of its role in cancer and beyond. One exciting discovery is the involvement of MET in immune modulation, with studies suggesting its influence on tumor immune evasion and response to immunotherapies. Furthermore, increasing evidence indicates intercommunication between the MET pathway and other signaling pathways, underscoring the intricate nature of cellular processes influenced by MET and providing potential avenues for combination therapies to enhance treatment efficacy and overcome resistance mechanisms in cancers with MET alterations.

Novel MET-targeted therapies have emerged as promising approaches in cancer treatment. One such approach involves the development of highly selective small-molecule inhibitors that specifically target the MET kinase domain, blocking its activity and downstream signaling pathways. Another innovative strategy utilizes engineered MET-targeted antibodies or bispecific antibodies that simultaneously target MET and another cancer-associated protein, enhancing the efficacy of MET inhibition and potentially overcoming resistance mechanisms. These novel therapies hold great potential for personalized cancer treatment and are being actively investigated in preclinical and clinical settings. This Special Issue invites submissions covering various aspects of recent research related to the newly discovered physiological and pathological functions and regulatory mechanisms of the MET proto-oncogene, as indicated previously.

Prof. Dr. Tiziana Crepaldi
Dr. Simona Gallo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• c-MET proto-oncogene
• precision medicine
• cancer biology
• genetic modifications
• therapy resistance
• targeted therapy
• tumor microenvironment
• biomarkers