Description
The human platelet-derived growth factor C (PDGF-C) is one of the four member of the PDGF family of growth factors which are known mitogens and survival factors for cells of mesenchymal origin. They form four disulfide-linked homodimers (PDGF-AA, -BB, -CC, and -DD) and one heterodimer (PDGF-AB). PDGF-C has a unique two-domain structure consisting of an N-terminal CUB and a conserved C-terminal growth factor domain that are separated by a hinge region. PDGF-CC only binds to PDGF Rα with high affinity, activates the homodimerization of PDGF Rαβ, and induces the signal pathways, such as profibrotic pathways in hepatic fibrosis. PDGF-CC is involved in a variety of processes including angiogensis, morphogenesis and cardiovascular development, as well as the tumorigenesis