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Updated: May 29, 2026

Identification of the Source of Secreted Proteins in the Kidney by Brefeldin A Injection
Published on: November 10, 2021
The platelet-derived growth factor system in renal disease: an emerging role of endogenous inhibitors
Claudia R C van Roeyen1, Tammo Ostendorf, Jürgen Floege
1Department of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52057 Aachen, Germany. cvanroeyen@ukaachen.de
Insights
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays key roles in kidney diseases. Understanding its natural inhibitors, like NOV (CCN3), is crucial for developing new therapies targeting PDGF-mediated conditions.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) system, comprising isoforms and receptors, is integral to renal cell functions.
- PDGF signaling regulates cell proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix accumulation, and inflammation in the kidneys.
- Dysregulated PDGF activity is implicated in mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis, renal fibrosis, and angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of PDGF isoforms and their receptors in renal physiology and pathology.
- To explore the mechanisms and significance of endogenous PDGF inhibitors.
- To highlight the potential of understanding these inhibitors for therapeutic development in PDGF-mediated kidney diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PDGF isoforms, receptors, and inhibitors in renal contexts.
- Analysis of the biological functions of PDGF in kidney cells.
- Examination of the regulatory mechanisms of endogenous PDGF inhibitors, including NOV (CCN3).
Main Results:
- PDGF isoforms and receptors are expressed in renal cells, influencing key processes like proliferation and fibrosis.
- Various endogenous inhibitors modulate PDGF activity at different levels of the signaling pathway.
- The novel inhibitor nephroblastoma overexpressed gene (NOV, CCN3) inhibits PDGF-induced proliferation and is itself regulated by PDGF.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of PDGF system components and their endogenous inhibitors is vital for renal health.
- NOV (CCN3) represents a significant endogenous inhibitor with potential therapeutic implications.
- Further research into PDGF antagonists may pave the way for novel treatments for kidney diseases driven by PDGF signaling.
Abstract:
The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family consists of four isoforms which are secreted as homodimers (PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, PDGF-CC and PDGF-DD) or heterodimers (PDGF-AB), and two receptor chains (PDGFR-α and -β). All members of the PDGF system are constitutively or inducibly expressed in renal cells and are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and migration, the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins and the secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. Particular roles have been identified in mediating mesangioproliferative changes, renal interstitial fibrosis and glomerular angiogenesis. Different endogenous inhibitors of PDGF-induced biological responses exist which affect the activation/deactivation of PDGF isoforms, the activity of the PDGFRs, or which block downstream signaling pathways of the autophosphorylated PDGFRs. The novel endogenous inhibitor nephroblastoma overexpressed gene (NOV, CCN3) reduces PDGF-induced cell proliferation and is downregulated by PDGF isoforms itself. Among all identified inhibitors only few "true" PDGF antagonists have been identified. A better understanding of these inhibitors may aid in the design of novel therapeutic approaches to PDGF-mediated diseases.
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