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Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) is one of several proteins that signal a cell when to grow and divide. Cells that lose the ability to stop this signaling often become cancerous. Levels of the PDGF receptor (PDGFR) are particularly high in cancers of the breast, ovary, prostate, colon, and pancreas, and in leukemia. Elevated levels of this receptor appear to cause unchecked cell growth and the spread of tumors to other parts of the body. Dr. Philip Links is studying how PDGFR signals cell growth and factors that control the strength and duration of those signals. Determining what causes the signaling mechanism to become stuck in the “on” position may point to potential targets for anti-cancer drugs. Research has shown that this same disease mechanism is involved in type 2 diabetes and obesity, which – along with cancer – affect many seniors and Aboriginal people.

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