Fig. 1

A schematic model depicting important aspects of our current understanding with respect to the crosstalk between the PDGF, VEGF and TGF pathway in the developing lung. Chapter I (The role of PDGF signalling in (patho)- physiologic lung development) emphasizes the importance of PDGF-Rα expressing myofibroblasts (MFBs) in alveolarization that is hindered by mechanical ventilation and stretch causing abrogation in the receptor leading to reduced migration and disrupted elastin deposition. As a consequence of its reduced downstream signaling, a reduction in VEGF-A is observed accelerating endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis. This is the link to chapter II (Disturbed vascular growth factor signalling in the injured neonatal lung) of the review showing interaction of PDGF to disrupted VEGF, a pro-survival growth factor for ECs. Chapter III (TGF-β signalling enhancing pulmonary injury in neonates) of the review focuses on the aspect of upregulated TGF-β in injured lung that can be attributed to increased influx of monocytes and macrophages. The increased TGF-β expression and signaling interferes with PDGF-Rα and VEGF-A signaling hence affecting survival and function of MFBs and ECs.