[Function, molecular structure and gene expression regulation of Platelet-derived growth factor].

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a cationic glycoprotein of approximately 30 kDa, composed of two subunits. These subunit chains are termed A (18 kDa) and B (12-14 kDa) with high homology of the peptide sequences, including 8 cysteine residues at identical positions. Three isoforms of PDGF, AA, BB homodimers and AB heterodimer are distributed in the different tissues and cell lines suggesting that these isoforms have different functions. Two types of PDGF receptors alpha, and beta with Mr of 160-180 kDa are seen on the cell surface. PDGFR alpha can bind to both A and B subunits of the PDGD, while PDGFR beta, only B subunit. PDGF (AA) combines alpha alpha, PDGF (AB) makes dimers of alpha alpha and alpha beta, and PDGF (BB) can make three types of dimers, alpha alpha, alpha beta, and beta beta. These dimeric PDGFRs are active forms and phosphorylate its own domain and other neighbor specific proteins. The substrates of the receptor kinase are phospholipase C-gamma, GTPase activating protein (GAP), serine/threonine kinase Raf-1 and others. These molecules are thought to transfer information of the PDGFs on its receptors to the nucleus.