6-O-sulfated heparan sulfate (6-OS HS) (6-OS HS)

6-O-sulfated heparan sulfate (6-OS HS) is a complex polysaccharide found on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix as part of heparan sulfate proteoglycans. It is characterized by the presence of sulfate groups at the C6 position of glucosamine residues, a modification catalyzed by 6-O-sulfotransferases and removed by extracellular sulfatases like SULF1 and SULF2 [1]. This specific sulfation pattern is crucial for the binding and activation of various signaling molecules, including fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), and Wnt proteins [2]. In disease states, 6-OS HS plays a significant role in promoting tumor angiogenesis, metastasis, and inflammation by modulating growth factor bioavailability [2]. Furthermore, it serves as a critical co-receptor for the entry of several viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and herpes simplex virus, into host cells [3]. Therapeutic strategies targeting 6-OS HS include the use of heparin mimetics that compete for ligand binding or monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize and block these sulfated motifs [4]. These interventions aim to disrupt pathological signaling pathways and inhibit viral attachment, offering potential treatments for cancer and infectious diseases [4].

Other names

6-O-highly sulfated heparan sulfate6-O-sulfated HS6-O-sulfated glycosaminoglycan6-O-sulfated heparan sulfate proteoglycan

Competitive inhibition of ligand binding to heparan sulfate motifs, modulation of growth factor signaling pathways, and inhibition of viral attachment to host cells [4].