Description
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is an important regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and angiogenesis. PDGF synthesis is induced by IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a, TGF-b and EGF signaling. PDGF functions as a mitogenic growth hormone on cells of mesenchymal lineage, such as smooth muscle and glial cells. PDGF is also stored in the alpha-granules of platelets and is released upon adherence to traumatized tissues. PDGF is a dimeric glycoprotein formed by two A chains (AA), two B chains (BB), or as a heterodimer with an A and a B chain (AB). The PDGF dimer binds the cell surface receptor tyrosine kinases PDGFR-a and PDGFR-b