Pdgfra - platelet derived growth factor receptor, alpha polypeptide

This gene encodes a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family of proteins. Binding of platelet-derived growth factor protein ligands to this receptor triggers receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation, resulting in the activation of several downstream signaling pathways. Signaling through the encoded receptor plays a role in gastrulation and the development of nearly all organ systems. Mice lacking a functional copy of this gene reportedly exhibit defects in lung, skeleton, testis and the central nervous system, and die soon after birth. Alternative splicing and intronic polyadenylation of gene transcripts have been implicated in muscle regeneration and fibrosis in adult mice. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2017]