The function of ENSG00000019991 (HGF, hepatocyte growth factor) is as follows. Potent mitogen for mature parenchymal hepatocyte cells, seems to be a hepatotrophic factor, and acts as a growth factor for a broad spectrum of tissues and cell types (PubMed:20624990). Activating ligand for the receptor tyrosine kinase MET by binding to it and promoting its dimerization (PubMed:15167892, PubMed:20977675). Activates MAPK signaling following TMPRSS13 cleavage and activation (PubMed:20977675). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:15167892, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20624990, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20977675}.