Platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB) is a heterodimeric1 non-glycosylated polypeptide isomer of PDGF.2 The biological effects of PDGF are mediated by cell surface alpha and beta PDGF receptors, which, as a result of ligand binding, undergo dimerization.3 PDGF-AB interaction with the alpha PDGF receptor induces conformational changes in the ligand or receptor that facilitates efficient recruitment of beta PDGFR by this PDGF isoform.4 However, PDGF-AA is not likely to be physiologically significant activators of cells unless the cells express PDGFR alpha.5 PDGF-AB may promote wound healing by stimulating extracellular matrix synthesis, e.g. collagen. It may also play a role in scar formation through collagen deposition.6
Protein Details
Purity
>97% by SDS Page and analyzed by silver stain.
Endotoxin Level
<0.1 EU/µg as determined by the LAL method
Biological Activity
The biological activity of Human PDGF-AB was determined by its ability to stimulate proliferation of NR6R-3T3 fibroblasts (Raines, E.W. et al., 1985, Methods Enzym. 109:749). The expected ED<sub>50</sub> for this effect is typically 1.0 - 3.0 ng/mL when measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation.
The predicted molecular weight of Recombinant Human PDGF-AB is 14.3 kDa (A chain) & 12.3 kDa (B chain). However, the actual molecular weight as observed by migration on SDS-PAGE is 17.5 kDa (A chain) & 12.5 kDa (B chain) under reducing conditions.
Predicted Molecular Mass
14.3 kDa (A chain) & 12.3 kDa (B chain)
Formulation
This recombinant protein was lyophilized from a 0.2 μm filtered solution in 30% acetonitrile (CH3CN) and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).
Storage and Stability
This lyophilized protein is stable for six to twelve months when stored desiccated at -20°C to -70°C. After aseptic reconstitution, this protein may be stored at 2°C to 8°C for one month or at -20°C to -70°C in a manual defrost freezer. Avoid Repeated Freeze Thaw Cycles. See Product Insert for exact lot specific storage instructions.
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Recombinant Human PDGF-AB is used in research applications because it is a potent growth factor that regulates cell proliferation, migration, survival, and tissue regeneration, making it valuable for studies in regenerative medicine, wound healing, fibrosis, and cellular senescence.
Key scientific reasons to use recombinant human PDGF-AB include:
Cell Proliferation and Survival: PDGF-AB stimulates proliferation and survival of various cell types, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and mesenchymal stem cells, which is critical for tissue repair and regeneration studies.
Tissue Regeneration: PDGF-AB has demonstrated efficacy in promoting regeneration in cardiac tissue after myocardial infarction, improving vascularization, and reducing cell death in animal models. It also enhances wound healing and skin regeneration, with clinical studies showing improved outcomes in tissue repair and aesthetics.
Anti-Senescence Effects: Recent research shows that PDGF-AB can alleviate cellular senescence, reduce oxidative stress, and promote cell cycle progression in aged or damaged tissues, such as intervertebral disc cells, suggesting a role in delaying tissue degeneration and aging.
Multipotent Stem Cell Induction: PDGF-AB, in combination with other factors, can induce the conversion of mature somatic cells into multipotent stem-like cells, expanding its utility in cellular reprogramming and regenerative therapies.
Modulation of Inflammation and ECM Production: PDGF-AB modulates inflammatory responses, promotes extracellular matrix (ECM) production, and supports angiogenesis, all of which are essential for effective tissue repair and remodeling.
Versatility in Experimental Models: PDGF-AB is used in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models, including studies of neuronal survival, cardiac repair, wound healing, and stem cell biology, due to its broad biological activity.
Applications where recombinant human PDGF-AB is particularly valuable:
Regenerative medicine (e.g., cardiac, skin, bone, and neural tissue repair).
Studies of cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and aging.
Induction and maintenance of stem cell populations.
Investigation of fibrosis, angiogenesis, and inflammation.
Summary: Using recombinant human PDGF-AB in research enables precise control over growth factor signaling, facilitating reproducible studies of cell proliferation, tissue regeneration, anti-senescence mechanisms, and stem cell biology, with demonstrated benefits in both basic and translational research contexts.
Yes, recombinant human PDGF-AB can be used as a standard for quantification or calibration in ELISA assays, provided it is validated for this purpose. Most commercial human PDGF-AB ELISA kits use recombinant PDGF-AB as their standard, and these kits are designed to quantify both recombinant and natural PDGF-AB in biological samples.
Supporting details:
ELISA kits for PDGF-AB typically include recombinant human PDGF-AB as the standard for generating the calibration curve. These standards are used to interpolate the concentration of PDGF-AB in unknown samples.
Validation: The standard curves generated with recombinant PDGF-AB are shown to be parallel to those generated with natural PDGF-AB, indicating that the recombinant protein is suitable for accurate quantification.
Assay specificity: These assays are validated to detect both natural and recombinant forms of PDGF-AB, ensuring that the recombinant standard reflects the analyte measured in biological samples.
Concentration range: The typical quantification range for PDGF-AB ELISA kits is from approximately 10–2,000 pg/mL, depending on the kit.
Best practices:
Ensure the recombinant PDGF-AB standard is of high purity and properly quantified.
Reconstitute and dilute the standard according to the ELISA kit protocol to generate a reliable standard curve.
Always run a standard curve with each assay to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
Confirm that the recombinant PDGF-AB used as a standard matches the isoform and sequence recognized by the antibodies in your ELISA.
Limitations:
If using a recombinant PDGF-AB preparation not supplied with your ELISA kit, verify its compatibility and equivalence with the kit’s calibration standards.
Some kits may show interference with related molecules, so check the specificity data for your assay.
Summary: Recombinant human PDGF-AB is widely accepted and validated as a standard for ELISA quantification and calibration, provided it is compatible with the assay system and properly prepared.
Recombinant Human PDGF-AB has been validated for several key applications in published research, primarily in cell-based bioassays, chemotaxis studies, proliferation assays, and receptor binding analyses.
Validated Applications:
Bioassays: PDGF-AB is widely used to stimulate proliferation and chemotaxis of connective tissue cells, including fibroblasts, glial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and some epithelial cells. It is also used to assess its effects on immune cells such as neutrophils and mononuclear cells.
Chemotaxis Assays: PDGF-AB has been validated for chemotaxis assays involving fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells, and immune cells, demonstrating its role as a chemoattractant.
Cell Proliferation Assays: PDGF-AB induces proliferation in NIH/3T3 cells and other mesenchymal-origin cells in a dose-dependent manner, with established ED50 values for these effects.
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR): Used to study high-affinity interactions between PDGF-AB and VEGFRs, expanding understanding of receptor tyrosine kinase dynamics and cross-family growth factor signaling.
Functional Studies in Disease Models: PDGF-AB has been used to investigate fibroblast responses in fibrotic diseases, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and retinal pigment epithelial cell biology. It is also applied in studies of mesenchymal stromal cell activation and angiogenesis.
Periodontal and Skeletal Repair: Recombinant human PDGF (including PDGF-AB) has been validated in clinical and preclinical studies for promoting bone and periodontal tissue regeneration, with FDA approval for periodontal defect repair.
Protein Characterization: SDS-PAGE and functional activity assays are routinely used to validate the integrity and biological activity of recombinant PDGF-AB.
Additional Context:
PDGF-AB is a potent mitogen and chemoattractant, validated for stimulating collagen synthesis, granule release, and modulation of immune cell activity.
It is used in both in vitro and in vivo models to study cell signaling, proliferation, migration, and differentiation, especially in the context of tissue repair, fibrosis, and angiogenesis.
PDGF-AB's role in neuron survival, glial cell proliferation, and regeneration has been explored in neuroscience research.
Summary Table of Validated Applications
Application Type
Example Cell Types/Systems
Reference(s)
Bioassay
Fibroblasts, smooth muscle, glial
Chemotaxis Assay
Fibroblasts, immune cells
Proliferation Assay
NIH/3T3, mesenchymal cells
SPR/Binding Studies
PDGF-VEGFR interactions
Disease Models
Fibrosis, angiogenesis, RPE cells
Protein Characterization
SDS-PAGE, functional assays
These applications are supported by peer-reviewed publications and product validation data, confirming the utility of recombinant human PDGF-AB in diverse research areas related to cell biology, tissue regeneration, and disease modeling.
To reconstitute and prepare Recombinant Human PDGF-AB protein for cell culture experiments, dissolve the lyophilized protein at a concentration of 100 μg/mL in sterile 4 mM HCl or 0.1 mg/mL in sterile water, depending on the formulation and manufacturer instructions. Always consult the specific product datasheet for exact requirements.
General protocol for reconstitution and preparation:
Centrifuge the vial briefly before opening to ensure all lyophilized powder is at the bottom.
Add the recommended diluent:
For proteins lyophilized from acetonitrile/TFA, use sterile 4 mM HCl.
For other formulations, sterile water at 0.1 mg/mL is commonly used.
Gently mix by pipetting up and down. Do not vortex, as vigorous mixing may denature the protein.
Allow the solution to sit at room temperature for several minutes to ensure complete dissolution.
Aliquot the reconstituted protein to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can reduce activity.
Store aliquots at –20°C to –70°C for long-term use. For short-term use (2–7 days), store at 4°C.
Preparation for cell culture:
For cell culture applications, it is recommended to dilute the stock solution in sterile buffer (e.g., PBS, DPBS, or culture medium) containing a carrier protein such as 0.1–1% BSA or HSA to stabilize the protein and minimize adsorption to plasticware.
Prepare working concentrations immediately before use. Typical final concentrations for cell stimulation range from 1–100 ng/mL, but optimal dosing should be empirically determined for each cell type and experiment.
If the protein is reconstituted in acidic buffer (e.g., HCl), ensure that the final dilution into culture medium neutralizes the pH to avoid cytotoxicity.
Additional notes:
Endotoxin levels should be <0.1 EU/μg for cell culture applications to avoid unwanted immune activation.
Do not use ELISA standard proteins for cell culture bioassays, as they may not be tested for biological activity.
For long-term storage, adding a carrier protein (e.g., BSA or HSA) is recommended to maintain stability.
Summary Table:
Step
Buffer/Diluent
Concentration
Storage
Carrier Protein
Reconstitution
4 mM HCl or sterile H₂O
100 μg/mL–0.1 mg/mL
–20°C to –70°C aliquots
0.1–1% BSA/HSA
Working dilution
PBS/DPBS + BSA/HSA
1–100 ng/mL
Use immediately
Yes
Always verify the specific instructions provided with your recombinant PDGF-AB product, as formulations and recommended procedures may vary.
References & Citations
1. Helden, CH. et al. (1988) J Biol Chem.263: 16493
2. Canalis, E. et al. (1994) Endocrinology134: 2541
3. Giese, NA. et al. (1993) J Biol Chem.268: 3625
4. Aaronson, SA. et al. (1991) J Biol Chem.266: 20232
5. Bowen-Pope, DF. et al. (1993) J Biol Chem.268: 4473
6. Xu, M. et al. (2000) Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery and Burns 16: 78