PDGF-AA

PDGF-AA is the homodimeric form of platelet-derived growth factor assembled from two A chains, and it signals exclusively through PDGFR-alpha. Produced recombinantly by expressing the PDGF-A chain and allowing disulfide-bonded dimerization, it is a weaker mitogen and chemoattractant than PDGF-BB because it cannot activate PDGFR-beta. Physiologically, PDGF-AA/PDGFR-alpha signaling guides oligodendrocyte precursor cell migration and proliferation in the CNS, supports alveologenesis, and participates in mesenchymal development. In culture it is the reagent of choice for expanding oligodendrocyte progenitors and for dissecting alpha-specific receptor pharmacology. Recombinant PDGF-AA is supplied for proliferation, binding, and PDGFR-alpha inhibitor assays.