PDGF-A

PDGF-A is the A chain of platelet-derived growth factor, encoded by the PDGFA gene and secreted as a disulfide-linked dimer, either the PDGF-AA homodimer or the PDGF-AB heterodimer. It binds PDGFR-alpha with high affinity and is produced by epithelial cells, macrophages, and many tumor lines, acting chiefly on fibroblasts, glial precursors, and smooth-muscle cells. PDGF-A/PDGFR-alpha signaling is essential for lung alveolar myofibroblast development, kidney glomerular mesangial cell formation, and oligodendrocyte precursor migration, while overexpression contributes to glioma and fibrotic disease. Recombinant PDGF-A is a standard mitogen for cell-culture, receptor-binding, and PDGFR-inhibitor studies.