[The role of platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGF-A) in hypertension and renal diseases. Part 1: Structure and regulation of the PDGF-A gene expression and its role in hypertension].

Platelet-derived growth factor is commonly known as a mitogen. There are four members of PDGF family known as PDGF-A chain, PDGF-B chain, PDGF-C chain and PDGF-D chain, which in active forms are dimers. As far as two receptors PDGF-alphaR and PDGF-betaR are known to bind PDGF There is a difference in binding affinity of various forms of PDGF by those receptors. Two different transcripts are derived from PDGF-A gene by alternative splicing. Transcription of PDGF-A gene is under control of many factors. Many research data suggest a role for PDGF-A in smooth muscle cell hyperplasia in hypertension and atherosclerosis. Since inhibition of PDGF-A transcription by a specific ribozyme represses smooth muscle cell proliferation in arteries, introduction of gene therapy might be of value in the treatment of hypertension and its complications.