Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was discovered in 1974 as a peptide regulator that stimulates the growth of tissue cells such as connective tissue. It is named because it is derived from platelets. It exists in the alpha granules of platelets under normal physiological conditions. When blood coagulates Released from disintegrating platelets and activated, it has the biological activity of stimulating the chemotaxis of specific cells and promoting the growth of specific cells. In addition, macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, embryonic stem cells, etc. can also synthesize and release PDGF when tissues are damaged. When the liver is damaged, macrophages, platelets, infiltrating inflammatory cells, damaged endothelial cells and activated hepatic stellate cells can secrete PDGF. The common platelet-derived factor PDGF is a homo- or hetero-dimer formed by two polypeptide chains connected by disulfide bonds, which makes PDGF have various forms of dimer structures, namely PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, PDGF -AB, PDGF-CC and PDGF-DD. The molecular weight of PDGF-A chain is 16KD, and the PDGF-B chain is 14KD. The A and B chain genes are located on chromosomes 7 and 22, respectively.
Figure 1. PDGF binding and signaling pathways. ( Evrova O, et al.; 2017)
PDGF include four members, PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-C and PDGF-D. They act as potent mitogens in a variety of mesenchymal cells (e.g., fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells) and play important roles in the regulation of embryonic development, cell proliferation, migration, survival, and chemotaxis, and are associated with A variety of diseases are closely related. At present, researchers have detected highly expressed or mutated PDGFR receptors and highly expressed PDGFs in a variety of tumors, fibrosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is more appropriate to select PDGF as a drug target to treat tumors in tumor therapy. CD ComputaBio provides PDGF targeting services to customers to accelerate their research progress.
Using X-ray single crystal diffraction technology and the 3D structure of the known homologous molecule to simulate the structure of the PDGF molecule, and then infer its binding site;
Our experienced professional researchers use state-of-the-art molecular simulation software to analyze the structural properties of the PDGF binding site, such as electrostatic field, hydrophobic field, hydrogen bonding site distribution, etc.;
Use database search software or new drug molecular design technology to screen lead compounds whose molecular morphology and physicochemical properties match the action site of PDGF;
These molecules are synthesized and tested for biological activity, and after several screening cycles, suitable lead compounds can be found.
In each therapeutic area, CD ComputaBio has accumulated deep expertise in discovery informatics, computational chemistry/molecular modeling, medicinal chemistry, structural biology, in vivo andin vitro pharmacology, and translational science. During the drug discovery process, our team focuses on early lead compounds in different target classes and uses a wide range of techniques, including molecular screening, molecular modeling, medicinal chemistry, structural biology, bioinformatics and computational chemistry, to identify new target the direction of drug development, and then select suitable drug candidates through low-cost, high-efficiency computer simulations to ensure high efficiency and low risk in the later drug development process. Our computational biology team has extensive experience in the research of PDGF targets. Please consult our professional team for details.
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