PDGF-AB

PDGF-AB is the natural heterodimer formed when cells co-express the PDGF-A and PDGF-B chains, which assemble through interchain disulfide bonds. It occupies an intermediate position within the isoform family: it activates PDGFR-alpha and PDGFR-alpha/beta complexes but, unlike PDGF-BB, is a poor agonist of PDGFR-beta homodimers. Present in platelet releasate and certain tumor secretions, PDGF-AB stimulates fibroblast and glial cell proliferation and contributes to wound-healing and vascular-remodeling responses. Recombinant PDGF-AB is used to compare isoform-specific receptor activation, dose-response behavior in mitogenicity assays, and the pharmacology of PDGFR-targeted antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.