PDGF-C is a new protease-activated ligand for the PDGF alpha-receptor.

• Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) are important in many types of mesenchymal cell. Here we identify a new PDGF, PDGF-C, which binds to and activates the PDGF alpha-receptor. PDGF-C is activated by proteolysis and induces proliferation of fibroblasts when overexpressed in transgenic mice. In situ hybridization analysis in the murine embryonic kidney shows preferential expression of PDGF-C messenger RNA in the metanephric mesenchyme during epithelial conversion. Analysis of kidneys lacking the PDGF alpha-receptor shows selective loss of mesenchymal cells adjacent to sites of expression of PDGF-C mRNA; this is not found in kidneys from animals lacking PDGF-A or both PDGF-A and PDGF-B, indicating that PDGF-C may have a unique function.

Nyckelord

Animals

COS Cells

Endopeptidases/*metabolism

Epithelial Cells/chemistry/enzymology

Gene Expression/physiology

Gene Expression Regulation; Developmental

Humans

In Situ Hybridization

Insects

Kidney/chemistry/embryology/enzymology

Ligands

Mesoderm/chemistry/enzymology

Mice

Molecular Sequence Data

Myocardium/chemistry/enzymology

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/chemistry/*genetics/*metabolism/pharmacology

Protein Structure; Tertiary

RNA; Messenger/analysis

Rabbits

Receptor; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/*metabolism

Research Support; Non-U.S. Gov't

Sequence Homology; Amino Acid

Transgenes/physiology

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)