PDGF-D

PDGF-D, the product of the PDGFD gene, resembles PDGF-C in being secreted as an inactive, CUB-domain-bearing homodimer that requires extracellular proteolysis, notably by tissue plasminogen activator, for activation. The mature PDGF-DD dimer signals preferentially through PDGFR-beta, though it can also engage PDGFR-alpha/beta heterodimers. It is expressed in kidney podocytes, ovarian and vascular tissues, and is frequently overexpressed in glioma, prostate, and other cancers, where it promotes angiogenesis, stromal recruitment, and invasion. PDGF-D also contributes to pulmonary vascular remodeling. Recombinant PDGF-D supports studies of latent growth-factor processing, PDGFR-beta pharmacology, and tumor microenvironment signaling.