The article reviews the role of platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors (PDGFRs) in physiology and medicine. PDGFs have been identified as key regulators in various developmental processes, including gastrulation, cranial and cardiac neural crest development, gonads, lung, intestine, skin, CNS, and skeleton. PDGFR-α signaling is crucial for these processes, while PDGFR-β signaling is involved in blood vessel formation and early hematopoiesis. PDGF signaling is also implicated in several diseases, such as gliomas, sarcomas, leukemias, epithelial cancers, vascular disorders, and fibrotic diseases. The article discusses the basic aspects of PDGF ligands and receptors, their developmental and pathological functions, and the principles of pharmacological inhibition. It highlights the importance of PDGF antagonists in preclinical models and clinical trials, as well as the use of recombinant human PDGF-BB in wound healing therapy. The review also covers the conservation of PDGF/VEGF signaling across different species and the complex expression patterns of PDGF ligands and receptors. Additionally, it explores the biosynthesis, processing, and extracellular distribution of PDGFs, as well as the signaling pathways activated by PDGFRs, including Ras-MAPK, PI3K, and PLC-γ. The article concludes by discussing the developmental functions of PDGFs/PDGFRs and their role in organogenesis, particularly in the lung and intestine.The article reviews the role of platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors (PDGFRs) in physiology and medicine. PDGFs have been identified as key regulators in various developmental processes, including gastrulation, cranial and cardiac neural crest development, gonads, lung, intestine, skin, CNS, and skeleton. PDGFR-α signaling is crucial for these processes, while PDGFR-β signaling is involved in blood vessel formation and early hematopoiesis. PDGF signaling is also implicated in several diseases, such as gliomas, sarcomas, leukemias, epithelial cancers, vascular disorders, and fibrotic diseases. The article discusses the basic aspects of PDGF ligands and receptors, their developmental and pathological functions, and the principles of pharmacological inhibition. It highlights the importance of PDGF antagonists in preclinical models and clinical trials, as well as the use of recombinant human PDGF-BB in wound healing therapy. The review also covers the conservation of PDGF/VEGF signaling across different species and the complex expression patterns of PDGF ligands and receptors. Additionally, it explores the biosynthesis, processing, and extracellular distribution of PDGFs, as well as the signaling pathways activated by PDGFRs, including Ras-MAPK, PI3K, and PLC-γ. The article concludes by discussing the developmental functions of PDGFs/PDGFRs and their role in organogenesis, particularly in the lung and intestine.