プロテオグリカン糖鎖のファジー構造と生理活性ドメイン

抄録

Chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate-type chains and heparan sulfate/heparin-type chains represent the two major classes of glycosaminoglycan moiety (GAG) of proteoglycans. Both types of chain vary in the proportion of D-glucuronic to L-iduornic acid and the content and arrangement of the sulfate groups, thus forming diverse polymer chains with structural variability. The subjects of the present review article is to provide an overview of the structure, biosynthesis, and interactions of GAGs and to extrapolate from these reports any consensus opinions concerning the role of GAGs in various biological phenomena including cell adhesion, growth control, and activation of protease inhibitors.