title: PDGFRα in liver pathophysiology: emerging roles in development, regeneration, fibrosis, and cancer.
abstract: Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) is an isoform of the PDGFR family of tyrosine kinase receptors involved in cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, and growth. In this review, we highlight the role of PDGFRα and the current evidence of its expression and activities in liver development, regeneration, and pathology-including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Studies elucidating PDGFRα signaling in processes ranging from profibrotic signaling, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition point toward PDGFRα as a potential therapeutic target in various hepatic pathologies, including hepatic fibrosis and liver cancer. Furthermore, PDGFRα localization and modulation during liver development and regeneration may lend insight into its potential roles in various pathologic states. We will also briefly discuss some of the current targeted treatments for PDGFRα, including multi receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and PDGFRα-specific inhibitors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kikuchi
authors.forename: Satdarshan Pal
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Monga
mesh_terms: D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D008115:Liver Regeneration / Q000235:genetics; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D020796:Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D020796:Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha