Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/umls/id/C1335430
NCI: Expressed in platelets as 2 alternative isoforms by human PDGFA Gene (PDGF/VEGF Family), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Alpha is a mitogenic factor for mesenchymal cells characterized by a motif of eight cysteines and released by platelets upon wounding to stimulate adjacent cell growth. PDGFA can exist as either antiparallel disulfide-linked homodimers or heterodimers with Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Beta. A long PDGFA isoform contains a basic insert that acts as a cell retention signal. A-A, B-B, and A-B, dimers can bind to PDGF receptor and elicit a variety of cellular responses. A and B homodimers are implicated in transformation processes. (NCI)