HGF and atherosclerosis: HGF/HGFR signaling is activated in angiogenesis [254], and may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis [256]; HGFR is expressed on VSMCs isolated from atherosclerotic plaques and it triggers signaling cascades (involving PI3-kinases, Akt, MEK and Erk1/2) mediating migration of VSMCs [256, 257].