Platelet-derived growth factor signaling in mesenchymal cells

Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors are major mitogens for many cell types of mensenchymal origin, including fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Their role in enhancing migratory and proliferative responses and extracellular matrix synthesis in these cells, make them key regulators of critical biological functions and in tissue diseases including tissue remodeling, scarring and fibrosis. The activities of the PDGFs have been extensively characterized at the molecular and cellular level and in in vivo model systems. This, in turn, has lead to an increasing number of PDGF-based therapies designed to accelerate or combat defects in tissue repair. This review aims to summarize recent developments in the role of PDGF in key mesenchymal cell functions. Many of the current developments in this field have primarily focused on advancements in understanding cell differentiation, migration, proliferation and the development of emerging PDGF-based therapies and hence will be primary focus of this review.