Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

11:21
Bioinformatics Resources for the Study of Glycan-Mediated Protein Interactions
Published on: January 20, 2022
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans: structure, protein interactions and cell signaling
Juliana L Dreyfuss1, Caio V Regatieri, Thais R Jarrouge
1Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias
|September 2, 2009
Summary
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) mediate cell signaling by binding diverse proteins. Their structural diversity dictates specific interactions, influencing cell responses and gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are crucial cell surface and extracellular matrix components in animals.
- Their heparan sulfate (HS) chains exhibit extensive structural diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural characteristics of HSPGs related to protein interactions and cell signaling.
- To elucidate the specific mechanisms by which HS chains mediate cellular communication.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on structural biology and cell signaling pathways.
- Analysis of protein-ligand interactions involving heparan sulfate.
Main Results:
- HS chains interact with a wide array of proteins, including growth factors, chemokines, and enzymes.
- Specific structural motifs on HS and proteins govern these precise interactions.
- HSPGs function as receptors or co-receptors, initiating signaling cascades via protein phosphorylation and cytoskeleton modulation.
Conclusions:
- Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are key regulators of cellular signaling due to their structural versatility.
- These interactions are critical for downstream cellular responses, including gene regulation and endocytic pathways.
Related Concept Videos
Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins
Proteoglycans are extensively glycosylated proteins, commonly found in the extracellular matrix, interwoven with collagen fibers. Hyaline cartilage, the most common type of cartilage in the body, consists of short and dispersed collagen fibers associated with large amounts of proteoglycans. These proteoglycans have long negative charges that attract cations, which in turn attract water molecules. This influx of ions and water molecules swells up the proteoglycan like a water-soaked gel that can...
Assembly of Signaling Complexes
Multiprotein signaling complexes are formed in a dynamic process involving protein-protein interactions at the cytoplasmic domain of transmembrane receptors or enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins associated with the receptor. These complexes ensure the activation and propagation of intracellular signals that regulate cell functions.
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
Proteoglycans
Glycans, a class of complex heterogeneous molecules, can be covalently attached to proteins to form glycosylated proteins that regulate various physiological and pathological processes. Glycosylated proteins or glycoproteins comprise N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides. O-glycosylation is the most common type of protein glycosylation. Here, glycans attach to the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl groups of Serine or Threonine residues. O-linked glycosylation occurs later in protein processing,...
Glycosaminoglycans
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), also known as mucopolysaccharides, are long and linear polymers comprising of specific repeating disaccharides - the amino sugar that can be N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine, and a uronic acid that is usually glucuronic acid or iduronic acid.
GAGS are found in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, invertebrates, and bacteria. Due to their polar nature they attract water, and serve as excellent lubricants or shock absorbers in an animal body.
Hyaluronic...
GAGS are found in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, invertebrates, and bacteria. Due to their polar nature they attract water, and serve as excellent lubricants or shock absorbers in an animal body.
Hyaluronic...
Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...

