However, HGF’s role is context-dependent: while beneficial in ischemia, HGF exacerbates tumor angiogenesis and atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability by upregulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and promoting intraplaque neovascularization (Abounader and Laterra, 2005; Ma et al., 2002). The gene discussed is HGF; the disease is neoplasm.