Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Subunit B (PDGFB) belongs to the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family. Platelet-derived growth factor is a potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin. PDGFB can exist either as a homodimer (PDGF-BB) or as a heterodimer with the platelet-derived growth factor alpha polypeptide (PDGF-AB), where the dimers are connected by disulfide bonds. Mutations in this gene are associated with meningioma.Binding of PDGFB to its receptor elicits a variety of cellular responses. In addition, PDGFB is released by platelets upon wounding and plays an important role in stimulating adjacent cells to grow and thereby heals the wound.
