History of discovery: platelet-derived growth factor

Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2011 Nov;31(11):2397-401. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.108.179556.

Abstract

A growth-promoting activity released from activated platelets, the platelet-derived growth factor, was discovered and characterized while the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of the lesions of atherosclerosis were being investigated. This review provides a personal account of the different challenges we faced 3 decades ago in this undertaking and describes how our path was influenced by our focus on a disease process and by the evolving general understanding of the molecular effectors of cell proliferation.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Proliferation
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / pathology
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / history*
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / physiology*
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / physiology
  • Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / physiology
  • Vascular Diseases / pathology
  • Vascular Diseases / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor