Role of syndecan-2 in osteoblast biology and pathology

Syndecans 1-4 are a family of transmembrane proteins composed of a core protein and glycosaminoglycan chains. Although the four syndecans have common functions, they appear to be connected to different signaling pathways, and their expression occurs in a cell- and development-specific pattern. In contrast to other syndecans, syndecan-2 expression increases during osteoblast differentiation. Mechanistically, syndecan-2 exerts multiple functions in cells of the osteoblast lineage as it serves as a co-receptor for fibroblast growth factors and Wnt proteins and controls cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Recent studies indicate that syndecan-2 also contributes to osteosarcoma cell response to cytotoxic agents through interactions with Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Here we summarize our current understanding of the role of syndecan-2 in the control of osteoblast biology and pathology and discuss how syndecan-2 acts as a modulator of the bone cell microenvironment.