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Wiley, IUBMB Life, 11(60), p. 729-733, 2008

DOI: 10.1002/iub.115

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Decorin and its galactosaminoglycan chain: Extracellular regulator of cellular function?

Journal article published in 2008 by Daniela G. Seidler, Rita Dreier
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

A molecular network of extracellular matrix molecules determines the tissue architecture and accounts for mechanical properties like compressibility or stretch resistance. It is widely accepted that the elements of the cellular microenvironment are important regulators of the cellular behavior in vitro and in vivo. One large group comprising these molecules is the family of proteoglycans. Both, the core proteins and, in particular, the attached galactosaminoglycans, contribute to the regulation network as they bind a variety of signaling molecules, e.g. cytokines, chemokines, growth, and differentiation factors. We would like to emphasize specific patterns of epimerization and sulfation within the galactosaminoglycans chains, because these result in "motifs" that are responsible for the modulation of signal factor binding, release and activity. This property is crucial in physiological and pathological conditions, for example development and wound healing.