Structural and functional diversity of the platelet-derived growth factor.

The platelet derived growth factor is the most potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin. Recent investigations have identified and characterized the structures and genes of the isoforms of PDGF, of the isoforms of its receptor, and of genes activated by it. It is now possible to understand in part the striking diversity of activities mediated by platelet derived growth factor and to identify new roles for it in normal and abnormal cell growth, in inflammation and repair, and in mammalian development.