An introduction to proteoglycans and their localization

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

Proteoglycans comprise a core protein to which one or more glycosaminoglycan chains are covalently attached. Although a small number of proteins have the capacity to be glycanated and become proteoglycans, it is now realized that these macromolecules have a range of functions, dependent on type and in vivo location, and have important roles in invertebrate and vertebrate development, maintenance, and tissue repair. Many biologically potent small proteins can bind glycosaminoglycan chains as a key part of their function in the extracellular matrix, at the cell surface, and also in some intracellular locations. Therefore, the participation of proteoglycans in disease is receiving increased attention. In this short review, proteoglycan structure, function, and localizations are summarized, with reference to accompanying reviews in this issue as well as other recent literature. Included are some remarks on proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan localization techniques, with reference to the special physicochemical properties of these complex molecules.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry
Volume60
Issue number12
Pages (from-to)885-97
Number of pages13
ISSN0022-1554
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2012

    Research areas

  • Animals, Congenital Abnormalities, Diabetes Mellitus, Embryonic Development, Fibrosis, Glycosaminoglycans, Humans, Mutation, Neoplasms, Organ Specificity, Proteoglycans

ID: 49106424