Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptors, PDGFRs

Platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGF-R) are cell surface tyrosine kinase receptors for members of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family. PDGF subunits -A and -B are important factors regulating cell proliferation, cellular differentiation, cell growth, development and many diseases including cancer. There are two forms of the PDGF-R, alpha and beta each encoded by a different gene. Depending on which growth factor is bound, PDGF-R homo- or heterodimerizes. Examination of the different signaling cascades induced by RTKs established Ras/MAPK, PI3K, and phospholipase-γ (PLCγ) pathways as key downstream mediators of PDGFR signaling. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent STAT3 activation has been established to be a key downstream mediator of PDGFR signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells.