Description
Platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR) are cell surface tyrosine kinase receptors for members of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family. The PDGF family consists of PDGF-A, -B, -C and -D, which form either homo- or heterodimers (PDGF-AA, -AB, -BB, -CC, -DD). The four PDGFs are inactive in their monomeric forms. PDGFs bind to the protein tyrosine kinase receptors PDGF receptor- alpha and - beta. These two receptor isoforms dimerize upon binding the PDGF dimer, leading to three possible receptor combinations, namely - alpha alpha, - beta beta and - alpha beta. PDGFR alpha and PDGFR beta are members of the class III RTK family. Inappropriate PDGFR alpha and PDGFR beta signaling has been linked to a number of proliferative disorders