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Vasefi et al. Vessel Plus 2020;4:24 Vessel Plus
DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2020.16

Review Open Access

Neuroprotective effects of direct activation and
transactivation of PDGFb receptors

Maryam Vasefi , Michael A. Beazely 2
1
1 Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77710, USA.
2 School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1C5, Canada.
Correspondence to: Prof. Michael A. Beazely, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, 10 Victoria Street
South, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 1C5, Canada. E-mail: mbeazely@uwaterloo.ca
How to cite this article: Vasefi M, Beazely MA. Neuroprotective effects of direct activation and transactivation of PDGFb
receptors. Vessel Plus 2020;4:24. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2020.16
Received: 11 May 2020 First Decision: 29 Jun 2020 Revised: 6 Jul 2020 Accepted: 20 Jul 2020 Published: 15 Aug 2020

Academic Editor: Shilpa Buch Copy Editor: Cai-Hong Wang Production Editor: Jing Yu

Abstract
Received: First Decision: Revised: Accepted: Published: x Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors are expressed throughout the body, including the central nervous
system (CNS). Although the physiological role of PDGF receptors in the developed CNS is not fully characterized,
Science Editor: Copy Editor: Production Editor: Jing Yu
PDGF signaling appears to provide neuroprotective effects against several neuronal insults. One of the best-
characterized neuroprotective effects of PDGF type-b receptors is against human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) protein-induced neurotoxicity, with potential physiological relevance to HAD. PDGFb receptors are also
neuroprotective against glutamate excitotoxicity, which is associated with both stroke and neurodegenerative
diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. The neuroprotective effects of PDGFb receptors occur both via direct
activation by ligand (PDGF-BB), as well as by PDGFb receptors activated downstream of G protein-coupled
receptor signaling. In addition to the involvement of PDGF signaling in various pathologies and potential therapies,
there is also an emerging body of evidence that PDGF may serve as a biomarker for neurological or psychiatric
diseases.

Keywords: Platelet-derived growth factor receptor, serotonin, glutamate, transactivation

PDGF SIGNALING
There are two major platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor isoforms (α and b) and four ligand
[1]
isoforms (A-D) that form homo- or hetero-dimers . PDGF ligands exist as dimers of four polypeptides:

© The Author(s) 2020. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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