Platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB)

Platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB) is a disulfide-linked heterodimeric glycoprotein composed of one A-chain and one B-chain. It belongs to the PDGF family of growth factors, which are potent mitogens for cells of mesenchymal origin, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and glial cells (2.2.1, 3.2.1). PDGF-AB specifically exerts its biological effects by binding to and inducing the dimerization of its cognate receptors, primarily the PDGFR-alpha/alpha homodimer and the PDGFR-alpha/beta heterodimer (2.1.1, 3.2.4). This interaction activates intracellular tyrosine kinase domains, initiating signaling cascades like the MAPK and PI3K pathways that regulate cell proliferation, migration, and survival (2.1.2, 2.4.4). In pathological contexts, dysregulated PDGF-AB signaling is implicated in the progression of various cancers, atherosclerosis, and fibrotic diseases (2.1.3, 3.1.5). Conversely, recombinant PDGF-AB has shown therapeutic potential in promoting tissue repair and improving cardiac function following myocardial infarction by modulating scar remodeling and angiogenesis (2.3.3, 3.2.2).

Other names

PDGF-AB heterodimerPlatelet-derived growth factor subunit A/subunit B heterodimerPDGF-A/PDGF-BPlatelet-derived growth factor A/B

PDGF-AB acts as a ligand that binds to and activates Platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR-alpha/alpha homodimers and PDGFR-alpha/beta heterodimers), triggering receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, Ras/MAPK, and PLC-gamma to promote cell growth and survival (2.1.2, 2.3.4).