Platelet-derived growth factor D (PDGF-DD) (PDGF-DD)

Platelet-derived growth factor D (PDGF-DD) is a member of the platelet-derived growth factor family, characterized by its unique CUB domain and its requirement for proteolytic activation to become a functional ligand [NIH, Wikipedia]. Unlike the classical PDGF-A and PDGF-B, PDGF-DD specifically binds to and activates the PDGF receptor beta (PDGFR-beta) homodimer, triggering downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, and Notch [NIH]. These pathways are critical for regulating cellular processes including proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, particularly in mesenchymal cells like fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells [NIH, Wikipedia]. In pathological contexts, PDGF-DD is frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, including prostate, renal, and colorectal cancers, where it promotes tumor growth, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis [NIH]. It also plays a significant role in the development of tissue fibrosis and cardiovascular diseases [NIH, StemCell Technologies]. Therapeutic strategies primarily involve the use of small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib and sunitinib, which block the activation of its cognate receptor, PDGFR-beta, thereby attenuating the oncogenic and fibrotic signals driven by PDGF-DD [NIH].

Other names

PDGFD [NIH]SCDGF-B [NIH]IEGF [NIH]Spinal cord-derived growth factor B [NIH]Iris-expressed growth factor [NIH]

Inhibition of PDGFR-beta signaling via receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition [NIH]