Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)

Introduction

a growth factor that regulates cell growth and division, particularly in new blood vessel formation and the proliferation of mesenchymal cells such as fibroblasts, osteoblasts, tenocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells and mesenchymal stem cells as well as chemotaxis
PDGF plays a role in embryonic development, cell proliferation, cell migration, and angiogenesis
PDGF is a required element in cellular division for fibroblasts as it allows a cell to skip the G1 checkpoints in order to divide
it is one of the first growth factors characterized
the “c-Sis” oncogene is derived from PDGF
over-expression of PDGF has been linked to several diseases such as atherosclerosis, fibrotic disorders and malignancies
the PDGF receptor (PDGFR) is classified as a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), a type of cell surface receptor.
the human PDGF signalling network consists of five ligands, PDGF-AA through -DD (including -AB), and two receptors, PDGFRalpha and PDGFRbeta
it is produced by platelets as well as other cells including smooth muscle cells, activated macrophages, and endothelial cells
recombinant PDGF is used to help heal chronic ulcers and in orthopedic surgery and periodontics