Platelet-derived growth factor receptor A

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA) is a cell surface receptor that is part of the tyrosine kinase family of receptors. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. PDGFRA is activated by binding to its ligand, the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which leads to receptor dimerization and activation of its intrinsic kinase activity.

Function

PDGFRA is involved in various cellular processes, including embryonic development, angiogenesis, and the healing of wounds. It is expressed in a variety of tissues and is essential for the normal development of the cardiovascular system, lungs, and central nervous system.

Clinical Significance

Mutations in the PDGFRA gene have been associated with several types of cancer, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and certain types of leukemia. These mutations often lead to constitutive activation of the receptor, promoting uncontrolled cell proliferation. Targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have been developed to inhibit the activity of mutant PDGFRA in cancer patients.

Structure

PDGFRA is a transmembrane protein composed of an extracellular ligand-binding domain, a single transmembrane helix, and an intracellular domain with tyrosine kinase activity. The extracellular domain is responsible for binding to PDGF, while the intracellular domain transduces the signal by phosphorylating specific tyrosine residues.

Interactions

PDGFRA interacts with several intracellular signaling molecules, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ), and Src family kinases. These interactions lead to the activation of downstream signaling pathways that regulate cell survival, proliferation, and migration.

See Also

• Platelet-derived growth factor receptor B
• Tyrosine kinase receptor
• Signal transduction

External Links

• [PDGFRA at UniProt](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P16234)
• [PDGFRA gene at NCBI](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/5156)