Demonstration of the hepatocyte growth factor signaling pathway in the in vitro neuritogenic activity of chondroitin sulfate from ray fish cartilage

► Chondroitin sulfate (CS) was isolated from the cartilage of ray fish. ► The structure and neurite outgrowth-promoting (NOP) activity were characterized. ► The NOP activity was suppressed by an anti-hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) antibody. ► The specific binding of HGF to the CS preparation was demonstrated. ► The HGF signaling seems to be involved in the NOP activity of the CS preparation.