Platelet-derived Growth Factor AA (PDGF-AA) is a member of the PDGF family, which consists of dimeric glycoproteins involved in various cellular processes. PDGF-AA is a homodimer composed of two A chains and is known for its role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. The recombinant form of PDGF-AA, expressed in yeast, is widely used in research and therapeutic applications due to its high purity and biological activity.
PDGF-AA is a disulfide-linked dimer consisting of two polypeptide chains, each containing 125 amino acids. The recombinant form of PDGF-AA is produced in yeast expression systems, which allows for proper folding and post-translational modifications, ensuring its biological activity. The molecular weight of PDGF-AA is approximately 29 kDa .
PDGF-AA is a potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin, such as fibroblasts, glial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. It plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including:
PDGF-AA is produced by various cell types, including smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages. It is highly expressed in tissues undergoing repair and regeneration, such as the skin, lungs, and blood vessels. The expression of PDGF-AA is regulated by various factors, including cytokines, growth factors, and mechanical stress .
PDGF-AA exerts its biological effects by binding to its receptor, PDGFRα, a receptor tyrosine kinase. Upon binding, PDGFRα undergoes dimerization and autophosphorylation, leading to the activation of downstream signaling pathways, including the MEK/ERK, EGFR, Src, and PI3K/AKT pathways . These signaling pathways mediate various cellular responses, such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation.
The expression and activity of PDGF-AA are tightly regulated by various mechanisms to ensure proper cellular responses. Some of the key regulatory mechanisms include:
Recombinant PDGF-AA is widely used in research to study its role in various biological processes and diseases. It is also used in therapeutic applications, such as wound healing and tissue engineering, due to its ability to promote cell proliferation and migration. Additionally, PDGF-AA is used to differentiate human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells into oligodendrocyte precursor cells .