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The PDGF/PDGFR pathway as a drug target

Natalia Papadopoulos1, Johan Lennartsson2

  • 1Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 582, SE-75123 Uppsala, Sweden.

Molecular Aspects of Medicine
|November 16, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling is crucial for cell growth but its dysfunction drives diseases like cancer. This review explores therapeutic strategies targeting PDGF pathways to treat various pathological conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) regulate cell proliferation, survival, and migration, particularly in mesenchymal cells.
  • Dysregulated PDGF signaling is implicated in numerous diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, neurological disorders, and atherosclerosis.
  • Abnormalities in the PDGF pathway involve PDGFR overexpression, mutations, or translocations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current therapeutic strategies targeting PDGF signaling.
  • To examine existing drugs that interfere with PDGF-receptor interactions.
  • To discuss clinical successes and ongoing challenges in PDGF-targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of therapeutic approaches for PDGF pathway interference.
  • Analysis of drug development strategies including aptamers, ligand traps, antibodies, and small molecules.
  • Evaluation of clinical data for PDGF-targeted therapies.

Main Results:

  • Various strategies exist to inhibit PDGF signaling, including targeting ligand-receptor binding and PDGFR activity.
  • Approved and investigational drugs utilize diverse mechanisms like aptamers, antibodies, and kinase inhibitors.
  • Clinical applications show promise but face challenges in efficacy and specificity.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting PDGF signaling offers a promising therapeutic avenue for multiple diseases.
  • Continued research is needed to overcome challenges and optimize PDGF-targeted treatments.
  • Development of specific and effective inhibitors remains a key focus for clinical success.
Keywords:
Drug targetingPDGF pathwayPDGFRTherapeutics

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