Receptor tyrosine kinase that transduces signals from the extracellular matrix into the cytoplasm by binding to hepatocyte growth factor/HGF ligand. Regulates many physiological processes including proliferation, scattering, morphogenesis and survival. Ligand binding at the cell surface induces autophosphorylation of MET on its intracellular domain that provides docking sites for downstream signaling molecules. Following activation by ligand, interacts with the PI3-kinase subunit PIK3R1, PLCG1, SRC, GRB2, STAT3 or the adapter GAB1. Recruitment of these downstream effectors by MET leads to the activation of several signaling cascades including the RAS-ERK, PI3 kinase-AKT, or PLCgamma-PKC. The RAS-ERK activation is associated with the morphogenetic effects while PI3K/AKT coordinates prosurvival effects. During embryonic development, MET signaling plays a role in gastrulation, development and migration of muscles and neuronal precursors, angiogenesis and kidney formation. In adults, participates in wound healing as well as organ regeneration and tissue remodeling. Promotes also differentiation and proliferation of hematopoietic cells (By similarity). ATP + L-tyrosyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-tyrosyl-[protein] In its inactive state, the C-terminal tail interacts with the catalytic domain and inhibits the kinase activity. Upon ligand binding, the C-terminal tail is displaced and becomes phosphorylated, thus increasing the kinase activity (By similarity). Heterodimer made of an alpha chain (50 kDa) and a beta chain (145 kDa) which are disulfide linked. Binds PLXNB1. Interacts when phosphorylated with downstream effectors including STAT3, PIK3R1, SRC, PCLG1, GRB2 and GAB1. Interacts with SPSB1, SPSB2 and SPSB4. Interacts with INPP5D/SHIP1. When phosphorylated at Tyr-1357, interacts with INPPL1/SHIP2. Interacts with RANBP9 and RANBP10, as well as SPSB1, SPSB2, SPSB3 and SPSB4. SPSB1 binding occurs in the presence and in the absence of HGF, however HGF treatment has a positive effect on this interaction. Interacts with MUC20; prevents interaction with GRB2 and suppresses hepatocyte growth factor-induced cell proliferation. Interacts with GRB10 (By similarity). Interacts with PTPN1 and PTPN2 (By similarity). The kinase domain is involved in SPSB1 binding. The beta-propeller Sema domain mediates binding to HGF. Autophosphorylated in response to ligand binding on Tyr-1235 and Tyr-1236 in the kinase domain leading to further phosphorylation of Tyr-1350 and Tyr-1357 in the C-terminal multifunctional docking site. Dephosphorylated by PTPRJ at Tyr-1350 and Tyr-1366. Dephosphorylated by PTPN1 and PTPN2 (By similarity). Ubiquitinated. Ubiquitination by CBL regulates the receptor stability and activity through proteasomal degradation (By similarity). Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Tyr protein kinase family.