Platelet-derived growth factor receptor A, abbreviated as PDGFRA or PDGFRα, is a cell-surface receptor tyrosine kinase, and activated by binding of its specific ligand, platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs), play an important role in cell growth and differentiation. The overactivation of PDGFRA due to mutation and/or chromosome fusion are associated with hematological malignancy, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The identification of PDGFRA as a driver gene has led to the development of anticancer therapeutics agents, including Avapritinib and Olaratumab.
Ba/F3 cell, a murine interleukin-3 dependent pro-B cell line, is a popular system for exploring both kinases and their inhibitors, because some protein kinases can render the Ba/F3 cells to be depended on the activation of the kinases instead of IL-3 supplement, while their inhibitors can antagonize the kinase-dependent growth effects.