PDGF functions primarily by binding to its receptors on the cell surface, specifically PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β. This binding activates the receptor's intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, leading to the phosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues. This, in turn, triggers downstream signaling pathways such as the PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and JAK/STAT pathways. These pathways are involved in regulating cell survival, proliferation, and migration.
