Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-CC (PDGF-CC) is a member of the PDGF family, which consists of proteins derived from four genes: PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-C, and PDGF-D. These proteins form four disulfide-linked homodimers (PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, PDGF-CC, and PDGF-DD) and one heterodimer (PDGF-AB) . PDGF-CC, like other PDGFs, plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth and division, particularly in the context of blood vessel formation and the proliferation of mesenchymal cells .
PDGF-CC is a dimeric glycoprotein composed of two C subunits. It is a potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and glial cells . The PDGF family members, including PDGF-CC, function as secreted, disulfide-linked homodimers. PDGF-CC specifically interacts with the PDGFRα (PDGFRA) receptor, which is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) .
The receptor for PDGF-CC, PDGFRα, binds to the ligand and undergoes dimerization and autophosphorylation. This activation triggers downstream signaling pathways, such as the PI3K pathway and the STAT3 pathway, which are involved in cell proliferation, migration, and survival . PDGF-CC is particularly significant in the context of blood vessel formation, also known as angiogenesis, and the growth of blood vessels from pre-existing blood vessel tissue .