Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) modulates wound healing through regulation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)

► ILK deletion results in decreased HGF expression and delayed scratch wound repair. ► PI3K/ILK/AKT pathway signals through HGF to regulate wound healing. ► An ILK-dependent increase in HGF expression is responsible for wound healing in vivo. ► ILK-KO mice are used to confirm the requirement for ILK function in wound healing. ► Human HGF treatment restores delayed wound closure in vitro and in vivo.