PDGF Signaling Pathway

Cancer Terms -> Biochemical Pathway -> Signaling Pathways -> PDGF Signaling Pathway

PDGF Signaling Pathway Definition

Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) plays a critical role in cellular proliferation and development. The biologically active form is a dimer formed from the A and B chains. PDGF is active to a differing degree depending on which dimer is formed (AA, AB, or BB). The PDGF Receptor (PDGFR) is also a dimer and can form from the combination of the alpha and beta chains in any order (alpha-alpha, alpha-beta, beta-beta). The PDGFR dimer is only formed after ligand binding so the alpha/beta composition of the receptor can be influenced by the form of PDGF that is present. Upon binding of ligand the PDGFR is tyrosine phosphorylated and leads to the phosphorylation of several other cellular proteins. (BioCarta)