Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
Emerging roles of PDGF-D signaling pathway in tumor development and progression
Zhiwei Wang1, Aamir Ahmad, Yiwei Li
1Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. zhiweiwang@med.wayne.edu
Abstract:
Platelet-derived growth factor-D (PDGF-D) can regulate many cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, transformation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. Therefore PDGF-D signaling has been considered to be important in human malignancies, and thus PDGF-D signaling may represent a novel therapeutic target, and as such suggests that the development of agents that will target PDGF-D signaling is likely to have a significant therapeutic impact on human cancers. This mini-review describes the mechanisms of signal transduction associated with PDGF-D signaling to support the role of PDGF-D in the carcinogenesis. Moreover, we summarize data on several PDGF-D inhibitors especially naturally occurring "chemopreventive agent" such an indole compound, which we believe could serve as a novel agent for the prevention of tumor progression and/or treatment of human malignancies by targeted inactivation of PDGF-D signaling.
Insights
Platelet-derived growth factor-D (PDGF-D) signaling is crucial in cancer development. Targeting PDGF-D with agents like indole compounds may offer new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Platelet-derived growth factor-D (PDGF-D) regulates critical cellular functions.
- PDGF-D signaling plays a significant role in human malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review PDGF-D signal transduction mechanisms in carcinogenesis.
- To explore PDGF-D inhibitors, including natural compounds, for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PDGF-D signaling pathways.
- Analysis of existing data on PDGF-D inhibitors.
Main Results:
- PDGF-D is implicated in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
- Naturally occurring indole compounds show potential as PDGF-D inhibitors.
Conclusions:
- Targeting PDGF-D signaling presents a promising therapeutic strategy for human cancers.
- Indole compounds may serve as novel agents for cancer prevention and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
