Structural and functional aspects of platelet-derived growth factor and its role in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma.

The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family consists of three different dimeric forms, AA, BB, and AB, of the two constituent polypeptide chains, A and B. These interact with two different cell surface receptors that, in part, mediate different cellular functions. The various forms of PDGF, as well as the receptors, are expressed at high frequency in glioblastoma multiforme, and it has been suggested that the growth of this tumor might be affected by autocrine loops involving PDGF and its receptors. The present paper focuses on recent discoveries regarding the family of PDGF ligands and receptors, as well as reviews results concerning PDGF-dependent autocrine growth in experimental and spontaneous glioblastoma.