PDGF-C

Mouse platelet-derived growth factor C (PDGF-C) is one of the four member of the PDGF family of growth factors which are known mitogens and survival factors for cells of mesenchymal origin. They form four disulfide-linked homodimers (PDGF-AA, -BB, -CC, and –DD) and one heterodimer (PDGF-AB) . PDGF-C has a unique two-domain structure consisting of an N-terminal CUB and a conserved C-terminal growth factor domain that are separated by a hinge region. PDGF-CC only binds to PDGF Rα with high affinity, activates the homodimerization of PDGF Rαβ, and induces the signal pathways, such as profibrotic pathways in hepatic fibrosis. PDGF-CC is involved in a variety of processes including angiogensis, morphogenesis and cardiovascular development, as well as the tumorigenesis. Meanwhile, recent studies have shown that the serine protease tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) used for treatment of acute stroke mediates the activation PDGF-CC, which suggests potential new strategies for cardiovascular and stroke treatment.