The procognitive and synaptogenic effects of angiotensin IV-derived peptides are dependent on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor/c-met system.

This preclinical study (in vitro and animal model evidence) investigated how angiotensin IV-derived peptides, specifically dihexa, enhance cognitive function and synapse formation, finding that these effects depend on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-met signaling pathway. Researchers demonstrated that blocking the HGF/c-met system prevented the cognitive and synaptogenic benefits typically observed with these peptides in their experimental models. The findings suggest that the HGF/c-met pathway is a critical mechanism underlying the procognitive effects of angiotensin IV-derived peptides.