Platelet Derived Growth Factor

The name platelet -derived growth factor (PDGF) is a family of four growth factors (PDGF -A, PDGF-B, PDGF -C and PDGF -D), all of which act as a mitogen for cells which have their origin in the embryonic connective tissue. They are released in case of injuries of platelets to stimulate the healing of the tissue and play an important role in embryogenesis.

Function

PDGF plays a role in embryogenesis (especially in the development of kidney, blood vessels, lungs, and the CNS ), in cell proliferation, cell migration, wound healing and angiogenesis and is also associated with various diseases such as atherosclerosis, fibrosis and cancer.

The growth factors always occur in dimers ( homo-or heterodimers ), which are connected by a disulfide bridge, and so each binds two receptors. Thus they bring the receptors close enough together that they can phosphorylate tyrosines on each other. Activates then phosphorylate other proteins within the cell at specific tyrosine residues and further send the signal, wherein, inter alia, activate PI 3- kinase pathway (see also receptor tyrosine kinase ).

PDGF receptors are found in various cells, including fibroblasts are stimulated by the cell division PDGF ( PDGF but alone is not sufficient to successfully complete the cell division).

History

1974 Ross and co-workers discovered that a factor of platelets (English platelets ) is produced, growth of smooth muscle cells from monkeys very effectively stimulates. This factor was named according to its occurrence platelet derived growth factor, and has since contributed much to the understanding of signal transduction. While the classical PDGF A and B have been known for a long time, PDGF -C ( 2000) and PDGF -D ( 2001) were discovered at the beginning of the 21st century.

Swell

• Growth factor
• Embryology