The PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor) family consists of a group of growth factors that play crucial roles in various physiological and pathological processes. PDGFs are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival and act as potent mitogens and chemo-attractants for various cell types. There are four known members of the PDGF family: PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-C, and PDGF-D. Each member can form either homodimers or heterodimers, resulting in different ligand combinations with distinct biological activities. The PDGF-A and PDGF-B chains are the most extensively studied and understood. PDGF ligands bind to and activate specific cell surface receptors known as PDGFRs (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptors). There are two types of PDGFRs: PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β. PDGFR-α binds PDGF-A and PDGF-C ligands, while PDGFR-β binds PDGF-B and PDGF-D ligands. Both receptor types are receptor tyrosine kinases and can phosphorylate tyrosine residues on their targets. Upon ligand binding, PDGFRs undergo dimerization, resulting in receptor activation and autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues in their cytoplasmic domains. This leads to the recruitment and activation of downstream signalling pathways, including the Ras-MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase) pathway, the PI3K-Akt (Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-Akt) pathway, and the PLCγ (Phospholipase C-gamma) pathway. These signalling cascades regulate various cellular processes relevant to cancer, such as proliferation, migration, survival, and differentiation. PDGFs and their corresponding receptors play significant roles in cancer development and progression. They regulate various cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, migration, and angiogenesis. Aberrant PDGF signalling can contribute to uncontrolled cell growth, a hallmark of cancer. Many cancer types exhibit dysregulated PDGF signalling, often characterized by overexpression of PDGF ligands and/or upregulation of PDGFRs. The overexpression of PDGFs can occur in cancer cells themselves or in adjacent stromal cells, such as fibroblasts or endothelial cells, which secrete PDGFs. This autocrine or paracrine stimulation can create a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment by regulating cell migration and extracellular matrix remodelling. Strategies aimed at inhibiting PDGF signalling have been investigated, including small molecule inhibitors that target PDGFR tyrosine kinase activity. These targeted therapies aim to disrupt the pro-tumorigenic effects of PDGF signalling and inhibit cancer growth. We provide a comprehensive product range of research tools for investigating PDGF, including PDGF Receptor alpha antibodies, and PDGF Receptor beta antibodies. Explore our full PDGF product range below and discover more, for less.