1)School of Medical Technology, Qiqihaer Medical University, Qiqihaer 161006, China;2)School of Stomatology, Qiqihaer Medical University, Qiqihaer 161006, China;3)School of Basic Medicine, Qiqihaer Medical University, Qiqihaer 161006, China;4)Postdoctoral Research Station of Qiqihar Institute of Medical Sciences, Qiqihaer 161006, China;5)Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Pharmacological Resources and Prevention and Control of Metabolic Diseases, Qiqihaer Medical University, Qiqihaer 161006, China
This work was supported by grants from The National Natural Science Foundation of China (82074148), National College Students" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program Project (202311230035), Key Cultivation Project of Qiqihar Academy of Medical Sciences (2024-ZDPY-002), Young Doctor Project of Qiqihar Academy of Medical Sciences (QMSI2022B-03, QMSI2023E-02), Heilongjiang Province Postdoctoral Funding Project (LBH-Z24305), Natural Science Foundation Project of Heilongjiang Province (LH2021H120), and Heilongjiang Province College Students" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program Project (S202411230014).
Fibrosis, the pathological scarring of vital organs, is a severe and often irreversible condition that leads to progressive organ dysfunction. It is particularly pronounced in organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Despite its clinical significance, the full understanding of its etiology and complex pathogenesis remains incomplete, posing substantial challenges to diagnosing, treating, and preventing the progression of fibrosis. Among the various molecular players involved, platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) has emerged as a crucial factor in fibrotic diseases, contributing to the pathological transformation of tissues in several key organs. PDGF-C is a member of the PDGFs family of growth factors and is synthesized and secreted by various cell types, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. It acts through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, exerting its biological effects by binding to and activating the PDGF receptors (PDGFRs), specifically PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β. This binding triggers multiple intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and Ras-MAPK pathways. which are integral to the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, migration, and fibrosis. Notably, PDGF-C has been shown to promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, key effector cells in the fibrotic process, thus accelerating the accumulation of extracellular matrix components and the formation of fibrotic tissue. Numerous studies have documented an upregulation of PDGF-C expression in various fibrotic diseases, suggesting its significant role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. For instance, in liver fibrosis, PDGF-C stimulates hepatic stellate cell activation, contributing to the excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. Similarly, in pulmonary fibrosis, PDGF-C enhances the migration of fibroblasts into the damaged areas of lungs, thereby worsening the pathological process. Such findings highlight the pivotal role of PDGF-C in fibrotic diseases and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target for these conditions. Given its central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, PDGF-C has become an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Several studies have focused on developing inhibitors that block the PDGF-C/PDGFR signaling pathway. These inhibitors aim to reduce fibroblast activation, prevent the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, and halt the progression of fibrosis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of such inhibitors in animal models of liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis, with promising results in reducing fibrotic lesions and improving organ function. Furthermore, several clinical inhibitors, such as those involving Olaratumab and Seralutinib, are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of these inhibitors in human patients, offering hope for novel therapeutic options in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In conclusion, PDGF-C plays a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in vital organs. Its ability to regulate fibroblast activity and influence key signaling pathways makes it a promising target for therapeutic strategies aimed at combating fibrosis. Ongoing research into the regulation of PDGF-C expression and the development of PDGF-C/PDGFR inhibitors holds the potential to offer new insights and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibrotic diseases. Ultimately, these efforts may lead to the development of more effective and targeted therapies that can mitigate the impact of fibrosis and improve patient outcomes.
YANG Chao, SONG Zi-Yi, WANG Chang-Xin, KUANG Yuan-Yuan, CHENG Yi-Jing, REN Ke-Xin, LI Xue, LIN Yan. PDGF-C: an Emerging Target in The Treatment of Organ Fibrosis[J]. Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics,,():
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