Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2025

Using a GFP-tagged TMEM184A Construct for Confirmation of Heparin Receptor Identity
Published on: February 17, 2017
Coreceptor functions of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans
Kazutaka Hayashida1, Rafael S Aquino1, Pyong Woo Park1,2
1Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
Cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) act as crucial coreceptors, mediating initial ligand binding and regulating diverse cellular processes. Their unique structure facilitates interactions with various molecules, impacting fundamental physiological functions.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Receptor-ligand interactions are vital for cellular responses, often modulated by coreceptors.
- Cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) possess unique structural motifs enabling binding to numerous ligands and receptors.
- HSPGs are abundant and can mediate initial ligand-cell surface interactions without intrinsic signaling activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse mechanisms by which cell surface HSPGs function as coreceptors.
- To highlight the fundamental role of HSPGs in coordinating receptor-ligand interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on HSPG function.
- Analysis of HSPG structure-function relationships.
- Synthesis of information on HSPG-mediated cellular processes.
Main Results:
- HSPGs act as versatile coreceptors, binding diverse molecules including growth factors, chemokines, and ECM components.
- HSPGs regulate critical cellular functions such as adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation.
- HSPG coreceptor activity influences development, tissue repair, inflammation, infection, and cancer.
Conclusions:
- Cell surface HSPGs are widely conserved and essential for fundamental physiological processes.
- HSPGs play a critical role in orchestrating complex biological signaling pathways.
- Understanding HSPG coreceptor mechanisms is key to comprehending various pathophysiological conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins
Glycocalyx and its Functions
Proteoglycans
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved...
Glycosaminoglycans
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...
Assembly of Signaling Complexes
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...

