Platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGF-B) (PDGF-B)

Platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGF-B) is a member of the PDGF/VEGF family that functions as a potent mitogen and chemoattractant for mesenchymal cells, including fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells (UniProt). It primarily exists as a disulfide-linked homodimer (PDGF-BB) or a heterodimer (PDGF-AB) and signals through the receptor tyrosine kinases PDGFR-alpha and PDGFR-beta (PubMed). PDGF-B is essential for embryonic development, particularly in pericyte recruitment and blood vessel maturation, and plays a vital role in physiological wound healing (NIH). Pathologically, its overactivity is linked to malignancies such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, often involving a COL1A1-PDGFB gene fusion, as well as various fibrotic diseases and atherosclerosis (Wikipedia). Therapeutically, recombinant human PDGF-BB (becaplermin) is FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers (FDA). Conversely, inhibitors targeting the PDGF axis, including the aptamer pegpleranib and various receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib, are used or have been studied to treat proliferative and vascular disorders (PubMed).

Other names

Platelet-derived growth factor subunit BPDGF-BBPDGF-Bc-SisSISPDGF2Platelet-derived growth factor B chainBecaplermin

Agonism of PDGF receptors to promote tissue repair and wound healing; direct binding and neutralization of the PDGF-B ligand to prevent receptor activation; or inhibition of downstream receptor tyrosine kinase signaling (PubMed, FDA).