# Kyushu University: Super-HGF, a modified growth factor, binds c-met over twice as well; effect seen in mice

- Published: 2026-11-05 08:58 UTC
- Section: Life & Health › Biotechnology
- Tags: Super-HGF, hepatocyte growth factor, HGF nitration, lipoic acid trisulfide, glutathione trisulfide, c-met receptor, muscle satellite cells, muscle atrophy in mice, Kyushu University, Ryuichi Tatsumi
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-630defc09a60df4c9f1b9295_kyushu_university_super/

**Researchers at Kyushu University protected the growth factor HGF from nitration with lipoic acid trisulfide, and a protective effect was confirmed in mice with muscle atrophy.**

![Kyushu University: Super-HGF, a modified growth factor, binds c-met over twice as well; effect seen in mice](https://sgzwpqqelzmajkcubgkl.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/rt-media/2026/11/673d38197ed59471.jpg)
*NUR.KZ*

Researchers at Kyushu University in Japan, led by Professor Ryuichi Tatsumi, found a compound that protects hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) from chemical modification and increases its binding to a cell receptor, NUR.KZ reported on 5 November 2026, citing ScienceDaily. [1] The results were published in Scientific Reports. [1]

HGF is a signaling protein that triggers the division of quiescent muscle satellite cells. It is released under mechanical load or tissue damage and binds the c-met receptor, which starts the regeneration of muscle fibers. [1]

## Nitration of HGF with age

With age, the protein undergoes chemical modification: nitration at the critical positions Y198 and Y250. [1] This disrupts its structure; the authors compare it to a deformed key that no longer fits the receptor lock. [1]

To prevent the damage, the group tested sulfur trisulfide compounds with strong antioxidant properties: glutathione trisulfide (GSSSG) and lipoic acid trisulfide (LASSS). [1]

## Super-HGF and tests in mice

In the experiments, LASSS at a molar ratio of 1:8000 neutralized nitration and also caused a subtle rearrangement of the three-dimensional structure of the molecule. [1] The resulting modified form, named “Super-HGF” by the authors, bound to the c-met receptor more than twice as efficiently as the natural protein. [1]

The protective effect was also confirmed in experiments on mice with muscle atrophy. [1] The researchers hope that the finding will help develop a therapy for sarcopenia in older people and in patients with low mobility. The material does not report tests in humans.

## Sources

1. [NUR.KZ](https://www.nur.kz/health/medical-conditions/2452323-yaponskie-uchenye-sozdali-usilennyy-belok-super-hgf-dlya-vosstanovleniya-stareyushchih-myshc-cheloveka)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-630defc09a60df4c9f1b9295_kyushu_university_super/