Pdgfra — Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
PDGFRA (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that binds PDGF ligands including PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, PDGF-AB, PDGF-CC, and PDGF-DD. It is primarily expressed in mesenchymal cells including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and glial progenitors [1]. In the nervous system, PDGFRA marks neural crest-derived cells and certain glial progenitors, playing important roles in gliogenesis and white matter maintenance [2].
PDGFRA is a type I transmembrane receptor with the following domain architecture [3]:
PDGFRA signaling regulates cell proliferation, migration, and survival during development and tissue repair [4]:
PDGFRA activation triggers multiple downstream pathways:
| Strategy | Compound | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tyrosine kinase inhibitors | Imatinib (Gleevec) | Approved for GIST |
| PDGF-AA delivery | Recombinant PDGF-AA | Research for MS |
| Antibody therapy | Anti-PDGFRA antibodies | Preclinical |
| Gene therapy | PDGFRA expression modulation | Experimental |
The study of Pdgfra — Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
1 Fredriksson et al. (2004) PDGF: A key cytokine. Ann Neurol 56:1-29. 2004. ↩︎
2 Fruttiger et al. (1999) PDGF-A is required. Development 126:457-467. 1999. ↩︎
4 Heldin & Westermark (1999) Mechanism of PDGF signaling. Physiol Rev 79:1283-1316. 1999. ↩︎
5 Nishimura et al. (2003) PDGFRA in OPC development. J Cell Biol 163:1213-1223. 2003. ↩︎
6 Wachnowsky et al. (2011) PDGF in PD. J Neural Transm 118:1045-1053. 2011. ↩︎