PDGFRA Monoclonal Antibody (OTI4E7), TrueMAB™, OriGene

PDGFRA (PDGFR-alpha, Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor alpha) belongs to the protein tyrosine kinase family, and binds to the alpha chain of PDGF. PDGFR exhibits two different isoforms, alpha and beta, which are coded by two different genes. PDGF-alpha receptors are expressed in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells while PDGF-beta receptors are expressed on neurons. PDGFR possess five immunoglobulin like domains that are involved in ligand binding. Two tyrosine kinase domains are separated by a kinase insert to which PI-3 kinase can bind. PDGF AA can bind and activate only PDGFR alpha, while PDGF BB can bind and activate both PDGFR alpha and beta. Members of the PDGF receptor subfamily are cell surface receptors that act as mitogens for cells of mesenchymal origin, and consist of alpha and beta isoforms of ∽190 and 125 kDa, respectively. Activated PDGF receptors act on signaling pathways that control cell growth, actin reorganization, migration, and differentiation. In humans, the gene is located on the q arm of chromosome 4. Studies in knockout mice, where homozygosity is lethal, indicate that the alpha form of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor is particularly important for kidney development since mice heterozygous for the receptor exhibit defective kidney phenotypes.