PDGF-AB Human Active Protein

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the platelet-derived growth factor family. The four members of this family are mitogenic factors for cells of mesenchymal origin and are characterized by a motif of eight cysteines. This gene product can exist either as a homodimer or as a heterodimer with the platelet-derived growth factor beta polypeptide, where the dimers are connected by disulfide bonds. Studies using knockout mice have shown cellular defects in oligodendrocytes, alveolar smooth muscle cells, and Leydig cells in the testis; knockout mice die either as embryos or shortly after birth. Two splice variants have been identified for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Function: Growth factor that plays an essential role in the regulation of embryonic development, cell proliferation, cell migration, survival and chemotaxis. Potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin. Required for normal lung alveolar septum formation during embryogenesis, normal development of the gastrointestinal tract, normal development of Leydig cells and spermatogenesis. Required for normal oligodendrocyte development and normal myelination in the spinal cord and cerebellum. Plays an important role in wound healing. Signaling is modulated by the formation of heterodimers with PDGFB

By similarity.

Subunit structure: Homodimer; antiparallel disulfide-linked dimer. Heterodimer with PDGFB; antiparallel disulfide-linked dimer. The PDGFA homodimer interacts with PDGFRA homodimers, and with heterodimers formed by PDGFRA and PDGFRB. The heterodimer composed of PDGFA and PDGFB interacts with PDGFRA homodimers, and with heterodimers formed by PDGFRA and PDGFRB. Interacts with CSPG4. Ref.11 Ref.12 Ref.14

Subcellular location: Secreted. Note: Released by platelets upon wounding.

Domain: The long form contains a basic insert which acts as a cell retention signal.

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family.