This gene encodes a cell surface tyrosine kinase receptor for members of the platelet-derived growth factorr
family. These growth factors are mitogens for cells of mesenchymal origin. The identity of the growth factorr
bound to a receptor monomer determines whether the functional receptor is a homodimer or a heterodimer, composedr
of both platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha and beta polypeptides. Studies suggest that this gene playsr
a role in organ development, wound healing, and tumor progression. Mutations in this gene have been associatedr
with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome, somatic and familial gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and a varietyr
of other cancers.