Roles of glycosaminoglycans as regulators of ligand/receptor complexes.

ABSTRACT: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) play a widespread role in embryonic development, as deletion of enzymes that contribute to GAG synthesis lead to deficiencies in cell migration and tissue modelling. Despite the biochemical and structural characterization of individual protein/GAG interactions, there is no concept available that links the molecular mechanisms of GAG/protein engagements to tissue development. Here, we focus on the role of GAG polymers in mediating interactions between cell surface receptors and their ligands. We categorize several switches that lead to ligand activation, inhibition, selection and addition, based on recent structural studies of select receptor/ligand complexes. Based on these principles, we propose that individual GAG polymers may affect several receptor pathways in

SUBMITTER: Smock RG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6223220 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature