Function: Growth factor that plays an essential role in the regulation of embryonic development, cell proliferation, cell migration, survival and chemotaxis. Potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin. Required for normal lung alveolar septum formation during embryogenesis, normal development of the gastrointestinal tract, normal development of Leydig cells and spermatogenesis. Required for normal oligodendrocyte development and normal myelination in the spinal cord and cerebellum. Plays an important role in wound healing. Signaling is modulated by the formation of heterodimers with PDGFB. Subunit structure: Homodimer (AA); antiparallel disulfide-linked dimer. Heterodimer with PDGFB (AB); antiparallel disulfide-linked dimer. The PDGFA homodimer interacts with PDGFRA homodimers, and with heterodimers formed by PDGFRA and PDGFRB. The heterodimer composed of PDGFA and PDGFB interacts with PDGFRA homodimers, and with heterodimers formed by PDGFRA and PDGFRB. Interacts with CSPG4.