PDGFB

Platelet-derived growth factor subunit B is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the PDGFB is_associated_with::gene.

Function
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the is_associated_with::platelet-derived growth factor family. The four members of this family are mitogenic factors for cells of mesenchymal origin and are characterized by a motif of eight cysteines. This gene product can exist either as a homodimer (PDGF-BB) or as a heterodimer with the platelet-derived growth factor alpha (is_associated_with::PDGFA) polypeptide (PDGF-AB), where the dimers are connected by disulfide bonds.

Clinical significance
Mutations in this gene are associated with is_associated_with::meningioma. Reciprocal translocations between chromosomes 22 and 17, at sites where this gene and that for is_associated_with::COL1A1 are located, are associated with a particular type of skin tumor called is_associated_with::dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans resulting from unregulated expression of growth factor. Two splice variants have been identified for this gene.