Heparin inhibits HGF-induced cell migration, invasion in the hepatocellular carcinoma-derived cell line SK-HEP-1.

The effect of heparin on HGF-induced migration and invasion were analyzed by using modified Boyden chambers and the Roche xCELLigence System in SK-HEP-1 cells. Following serum deprivation, SK-HEP-1 cells were left untreated (0) or treated with HGF in the presence or absence of heparin, then invasion and migration assays were performed. In both panels, values are expressed as the ratio of migrating or invading cells in HGF and/or heparin-treated wells to control wells treated with heparin alone at the indicated concentrations (1A, 1B and 1C). Results are representative of three or more independent experiments performed in triplicate. Bars indicate standard error of the mean (SEM), asterisks (*) indicate statistically significant differences between the indicated groups.