The platelet-derived growth factor D (PDGFD) is a member of the PDGF family, which plays crucial roles in regulating cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. PDGFD exists as a secreted glycoprotein in a latent conformation, requiring proteolytic cleavage (e.g., by tissue plasminogen activator) to release its active growth factor domain. It binds specifically to the PDGFR-β receptor, initiating downstream signaling pathways like PI3K-Akt and MAPK, which are implicated in tissue development, wound healing, and pathological processes such as fibrosis and cancer. PDGFD is expressed in various tissues, including the heart, pancreas, and vascular smooth muscle, and its dysregulation is associated with diseases like atherosclerosis, organ fibrosis, and tumor progression.
PDGFD antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, activation, and functional mechanisms in both physiological and disease contexts. These antibodies enable the detection of PDGFD in immunoassays (e.g., Western blot, ELISA, immunohistochemistry) and facilitate research into its interaction with receptors or extracellular matrix components. In cancer biology, PDGFD antibodies help elucidate its role in promoting tumor angiogenesis, stromal remodeling, and metastasis, particularly in cancers with elevated PDGFD levels, such as ovarian or prostate cancer. Additionally, they are explored as potential therapeutic agents or diagnostic markers for targeting PDGFD-driven pathologies. Research also focuses on PDGFD's crosstalk with other signaling pathways (e.g., TGF-β, VEGF) to identify combinatorial therapies for fibrosis or cardiovascular diseases.