Platelet-derived growth factor BB and AB (PDGF-BB/PDGF-AB)

Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and AB (PDGF-AB) are dimeric isoforms of the Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family, serving as potent mitogens for mesenchymal cells such as fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells [2, 4]. PDGF-BB is a homodimer of two B-chains, while PDGF-AB is a heterodimer of A and B chains; both are released by platelets upon activation and play vital roles in wound healing, angiogenesis, and embryonic development [4, 5]. These ligands function by binding to and inducing the dimerization of PDGF receptors (PDGFR-alpha and PDGFR-beta), triggering intracellular signaling cascades like the MAPK and PI3K pathways [1, 17]. In clinical medicine, recombinant PDGF-BB (Becaplermin) is used topically to treat chronic diabetic foot ulcers by stimulating tissue repair [5, 11]. Conversely, overproduction or genetic rearrangements of the PDGFB gene, such as the COL1A1-PDGFB fusion in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, drive pathological cell proliferation and are therapeutic targets for tyrosine kinase inhibitors [1, 9].

Other names

Platelet-derived growth factor B chainPDGF-BPDGF-2c-SisBecaplerminProto-oncogene c-Sis

Binding to and activation of PDGF receptor-alpha and PDGF receptor-beta, leading to receptor dimerization, autophosphorylation, and activation of downstream signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and PLC-gamma.