PDGF α-receptor mediated cellular responses are not dependent on Src family kinases in endothelial cells

Two novel autophosphorylation sites in the juxtamembrane region of the PDGF α-receptor, Tyr-572 and Tyr-574, were identified. A Y572/574F mutant PDGF α-receptor was generated and stably expressed in porcine aortic endothelial cells. In contrast to the wild-type receptor, the mutant receptor was unable to associate with or activate Src family tyrosine kinases. Tyrosine phosphorylated synthetic peptides representing the juxtamembrane sequence of the receptor dose-dependently inhibited the binding of Src family tyrosine kinases to the autophosphorylated PDGF α-receptor. The mutant receptor showed similar PDGF-induced kinase activity and ability to mediate mitogenicity, actin reorganization and chemotaxis as the wild-type receptor. Thus activation of Src family kinases by the PDGF α-receptor is not essential for PDGF-induced mitogenicity or actin reorganization.