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Regulation of PDGF and its receptors in fibrotic diseases

James C Bonner1

  • 1National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. jbonner@ciit.org

Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews
|June 23, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) drives fibrosis by stimulating myofibroblast activity. PDGF receptors (PDGFRalpha/beta) on myofibroblasts amplify these fibrotic responses, impacting multiple organs.

Area of Science:

  • Fibrosis research
  • Cell signaling
  • Tissue repair

Background:

  • Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms are key mediators in fibrotic diseases.
  • Myofibroblast proliferation, survival, and migration are stimulated by PDGF during fibrogenesis.
  • Pro-inflammatory cytokines often utilize autocrine PDGF release for their mitogenic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on PDGF and its receptors in fibrosis.
  • To elucidate the role of PDGF signaling in myofibroblast activation.
  • To explore PDGF's involvement across various organ systems affected by fibrosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on PDGF and fibrosis.
  • Analysis of PDGF isoform and receptor expression in fibrotic tissues.
  • Examination of regulatory mechanisms of PDGF action.

Main Results:

  • PDGF isoforms are critical in myofibroblast behavior during fibrosis.
  • PDGF receptor (PDGFRalpha/beta) expression is induced during fibrogenesis, enhancing PDGF responses.
  • Extracellular binding proteins and matrix molecules modulate PDGF activity.

Conclusions:

  • PDGF signaling is a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of fibrosis.
  • Targeting PDGF or its receptors may offer therapeutic strategies for fibrotic conditions.
  • Understanding PDGF's role is crucial for treating fibrosis in lung, liver, kidney, and skin.

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