PDGFR beta, Active

PDGFRb (platelet-derived growth factor receptor b) is a member of the PDGFR family of membrane receptors with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. PDGFRb deficient mice are hemorrhagic, severely anemic and exhibit a defect in kidney glomeruli function (1). However, absence of PDGFRb has no impact on major blood vessels and the heart. PDGFRb expression and activity is elevated in several cancers and inhibition of PDGFRb activity blocks progression of renal carcinoma in an animal model (2).