Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Strategic Endothelial Cell Tube Formation Assay: Comparing Extracellular Matrix and Growth Factor Reduced Extracellular Matrix
Published on: August 14, 2016
Proteoglycans of the extracellular matrix and growth control
1Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany. kresse@uni-muenster.de
Abstract:
Regulated cell growth results from the biological balance between soluble growth-regulating factors, their receptors and the elicited signal cascade on the one hand side and from extracellular macromolecular components and their interplay with membrane receptors on the other side. Proteoglycans have recently been recognized not only to play a part in providing shape and biomechanical strength of organs and tissues, but also to exhibit direct and indirect cell signalling properties. In this review, we discuss the direct growth-regulating role of proteoglycans with special emphasis on the lectican family and on the family of small proteoglycans with leucine-rich repeats (SLRPs). Indirect actions of proteoglycans by modulation of growth factor activities and growth factor distribution are exemplified by discussing the TGF-beta-binding properties of SLRPs and the interactions of core proteins of matrix proteoglycans with other growth factors. It is emphasized that the modulatory role of proteoglycans on cell proliferation cannot be separated from their participation in tissue organization in general, thereby explaining the diverse and sometimes contradictory reports on the effects of proteoglycans on cell proliferation and differentiation.
Related Concept Videos
The Extracellular Matrix
Proteoglycans
The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
A...
Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

