Cell biology of astrocyte proteoglycans

A number of studies have demonstrated that the nervous system produces multiple molecular species of proteoglycans (PGs), and that these PGs on cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix of the nervous system have the potential to act both as ligands for and receptors on neurons. PGs are now known to play an important role in cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions. This review focuses on a discussion of the expression, characterization and modulation of individual astrocytic PGs and the role that astrocytic PGs play in both the development and pathophysiology of the nervous system.