Platelet-derived growth factor D (PDGF-D) has been shown to mediate cellular processes of importance in cancer progression. This study aimed to investigate the expression and putative involvement of PDGF-D signaling in colorectal carcinogenesis. PDGF-D was expressed in vascular endothelial cells in tumor and normal tissues. PDGF-D stimulation of cells altered genes of importance in carcinogenic processes. In addition, PDGF-D increased the proliferation rate while imatinib inhibited these effects. PDGF-D and its PDGF receptor beta (PDGFR-β) are expressed in colorectal cancer and blockage of PDGF-D/PDGFR-β signaling using tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib, might be important in inhibiting tumor-promoting actions.
Keywords: Angiogenesis; Colorectal cancer; Imatinib; PDGF-D; Proliferation.