Abstract
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.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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COS Cells
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Endopeptidases / metabolism*
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Epithelial Cells / chemistry
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Epithelial Cells / enzymology
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Gene Expression / physiology
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
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Humans
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In Situ Hybridization
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Insecta
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Kidney / chemistry
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Kidney / embryology
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Kidney / enzymology
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Ligands
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Lymphokines
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Mesoderm / chemistry
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Mesoderm / enzymology
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Mice
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Myocardium / chemistry
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Myocardium / enzymology
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Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / chemistry
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Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / genetics*
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Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / metabolism*
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Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / pharmacology
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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Rabbits
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Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha / metabolism*
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Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
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Transgenes / physiology
Substances
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Ligands
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Lymphokines
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Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
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RNA, Messenger
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platelet-derived growth factor A
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platelet-derived growth factor C
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Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha
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Endopeptidases