As a receptor tyrosine kinase, mesenchymal to epithelial transition factor (MET) is the membrane receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which is related with a series of biological functions, such as cell proliferation, progression, apoptosis, metastasis and morphological changes. As research continues, MET is amplified or overexpressed in a wide range of human cancers and closely related with worse prognosis. Therefore, various MET inhibitors are currently being developed as potential treatments for a variety of cancers. Based on our current study we summarize the existing knowledge on structure, biological function and its inhibitors of MET and provide a data phase for future researchers.