Proteoglycan Dynamics in Extracellular Matrix Regulation
Summary
Proteoglycans are composite macromolecules formed by a core protein to which one or more glycosaminoglycan chains are covalently attached. They constitute a vital component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), where they govern tissue architecture, modulate growth factor bioavailability and influence cell behaviour. Dynamic alterations in proteoglycan composition, chain sulphation patterns and proteolytic processing orchestrate processes as diverse as embryonic development, wound healing, angiogenesis and inflammatory response. Specific proteoglycans, such as perlecan, decorin and biglycan, interact with collagen fibrils, integrins and soluble mediators to fine-tune matrix stiffness and porosity, thereby affecting cell adhesion, migration and differentiation. Enzymes that remodel glycosaminoglycan chains or cleave core proteins produce bioactive fragments that may promote or inhibit tissue repair and pathological progression. Dysregulation of proteoglycan dynamics underlies a range of disorders, from fibrosis and osteoarthritis to tumour invasion and metastasis, making these molecules both biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Proteoglycan Dynamics in Extracellular Matrix Regulation publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in proteoglycan dynamics in extracellular matrix regulation across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Proteoglycan: A protein core bearing one or more covalently attached glycosaminoglycan chains, central to ECM structure and cell signalling.
Glycosaminoglycan (GAG): A negatively charged polysaccharide chain composed of repeating disaccharide units, varying in sulphation to determine binding affinities.
Extracellular matrix (ECM): A complex network of proteins and polysaccharides that provides structural support and biochemical cues to cells.
Endorepellin: A bioactive fragment derived from the C-terminal domain of perlecan, involved in autophagy induction and angiogenesis regulation.
References
- Control of tissue homeostasis by the extracellular matrix: Synthetic heparan sulfate as a promising therapeutic for periodontal health and bone regeneration. Periodontology 2000 (2023).
- The interaction of endorepellin and neurexin triggers neuroepithelial autophagy and maintains neural tube development. Science Bulletin (2024).
- Tuning Recombinant Perlecan Domain V to Regulate Angiogenic Growth Factors and Enhance Endothelialization of Electrospun Silk Vascular Grafts. Advanced Healthcare Materials (2024).
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