Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (PDGF)

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a family of dimeric glycoproteins that serve as potent mitogens for cells of mesenchymal origin, including fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. It plays a fundamental role in physiological processes such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, and wound healing by stimulating cell proliferation and chemotaxis (Source: StatPearls). In the clinical context of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), PDGF is a major bioactive component released from platelet alpha-granules that drives tissue repair and regeneration (Source: NIH). However, overactive PDGF signaling is implicated in various diseases, including atherosclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and the growth of several types of cancer, such as glioblastoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (Source: Nature Reviews Cancer). Therapeutic strategies involve either the application of recombinant PDGF (e.g., Becaplermin) to accelerate the healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcers or the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., Imatinib, Sunitinib) to block PDGF receptor signaling in malignant and fibrotic conditions (Source: PubChem).

Other names

PDGFPlatelet-derived growth factor subunit APlatelet-derived growth factor subunit BGlioma-derived growth factorPDGF-AAPDGF-BBPDGF-AB

PDGF ligands bind to and activate Platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR-alpha and PDGFR-beta), which are receptor tyrosine kinases. This binding induces receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation, initiating downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, Ras/MAPK, and PLC-gamma that regulate cell growth, division, and migration (Source: UniProt; StatPearls).