Platelet-derived growth factor receptor A

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Platelet-derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFR-α) is a protein encoded by the PDGFRA gene in humans. It is a cell-surface receptor tyrosine kinase that plays a crucial role in cell growth, cell division, and the development of the blood vessels and connective tissues.

Structure[edit | edit source]

PDGFR-α is a single-pass type I membrane protein. It is composed of five immunoglobulin-like domains in its extracellular region, a single hydrophobic transmembrane segment, and a cytoplasmic portion that contains a tyrosine kinase domain.

Function[edit | edit source]

PDGFR-α is activated by binding to its ligand, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). This binding induces receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation, which triggers a cascade of downstream signaling pathways, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, the Ras/MAPK pathway, and the PLCγ/PKC pathway. These pathways regulate various cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, cell migration, and angiogenesis.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the PDGFRA gene can lead to the overactivation of PDGFR-α, contributing to the development of various types of cancer, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), gliomas, and leukemia. Therefore, PDGFR-α is a potential target for cancer therapy, and several PDGFR-α inhibitors, such as imatinib, sunitinib, and ponatinib, have been developed for the treatment of cancers with PDGFRA mutations.

File:PDGFR-α structure.png
Structure of the PDGFR-α protein.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]





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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD