Description
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor, alpha polypeptide, also known as PDGFRA, encodes a cell surface tyrosine kinase receptor for members of the platelet-derived growth factor family. These growth factors are mitogens for cells of mesenchymal origin. The identity of the growth factor bound to a receptor monomer determines whether the functional receptor is a homodimer or a heterodimer, composed of both platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha and beta polypeptides. A soluble form of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) alpha receptor, designated sPDGF-R alpha is capable of binding PDGF ligand and can compete with cell-associated PDGF receptors for ligand binding.1