Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) serves as a crucial controller of cell growth, proliferation, and angiogenesis (1). PDGF exists as a dimeric glycoprotein, comprising two polypeptide chains (A and B) stabilized by disulfide bridges. These chains can combine to form either heterodimers (PDGF-AB) or homodimers (PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB) (2) PDGF-AA is commonly used for differentiation of neural progenitor cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) into oligodendrocyte precursor cells (3). The synthesis of PDGF is stimulated by signaling molecules such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a, TGF-ß, and EGF. PDGF acts as a growth hormone that induces cell division in mesenchymal lineage cells like smooth muscle and glial cells. Furthermore, PDGF is stored within the alpha-granules of platelets and is released when these platelets adhere to injured tissues. The PDGF dimer binds to cell surface receptor tyrosine kinases, specifically PDGFR-a and PDGFR-ß (4). Studies suggest that PDGF-AA plays a pivotal role as an autocrine regulator of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in non-small cell lung carcinomas (5). Additionally, PDGF-AA facilitates the proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and guides their differentiation along the oligodendrocyte lineage through the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) (6).
Bioactivity Assay:Proliferation of NR6R-3T3 ; ED50 =50 ng/mL; Bioactivity =WHO standard not available