Overactive PDGFRα and PDGFRβ promote distinct yet overlapping phenotypes of skeletal muscle fibrosis and stiffness, with PDGFRβ also driving drastic muscle growth.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fibrosis accumulates in skeletal muscle over time and leads to greater muscle rigidity, stiffness, and increased risk of injuries. However, investigations of experimental models to study the mechanisms through which muscle fibrosis occurs are often confounded by injury or disease. The contribution of platelet-derived growth factor receptors alpha and beta (PDGFRα or PDGFRβ) to muscle fibrosis is yet to be clarified. We hypothesized that both receptors would promote ECM deposition and fibrosis, causing muscle stiffening and weakness, with sex-specific differences arising due to hormonal influences on receptors.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we used a mouse model with inducible overactive PDGFRα or PDGFRβ signaling and assessed various indicators of muscle functi

SUBMITTER: Gimla M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12776369 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature