Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans as Multifunctional Cell Regulators: Cell Surface Receptors

Proteoglycans are macromolecules expressed on the cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix of most animal tissues (Annu Rev Biochem 68:729–777, 1999; Int Rev Cell Mol Biol 276:105–159, 2009). Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are essential for animal development and homeostasis, and are involved in various pathological processes. The functions of HSPGs are largely exerted through interaction of the heparan sulfate (HS) side chains with different types of ligands, including diverse molecules such as cytokines, enzymes, and pathogens. One of the important roles of cell surface HSPGs is to mediate cytokine-induced cell signaling through interaction with growth factors (GFs) and their cognate receptors. A selective dependence of GFs for different structural features of HS has been demonstrated by applying cell models that are mutated variously in HS structure due to deficiency in enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of HS chains.