Dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate (DS/HS)

Dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate are complex linear polysaccharides belonging to the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) family, primarily found in the extracellular matrix and on cell surfaces [UniProt, 2024]. Heparan sulfate is characterized by repeating disaccharide units of glucosamine and uronic acid, playing a critical role in regulating developmental signaling, angiogenesis, and viral entry [PubMed, 2020]. Dermatan sulfate, formerly known as chondroitin sulfate B, is involved in wound repair, cardiovascular physiology, and modulating coagulation through interactions with heparin cofactor II [NCBI Bookshelf, 2019]. Pathologically, the inability to degrade these molecules due to lysosomal enzyme deficiencies leads to Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of metabolic disorders characterized by systemic organ dysfunction and skeletal abnormalities [MedlinePlus, 2023]. Therapeutic strategies often involve enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs) like laronidase or idursulfase, which aim to reduce the toxic accumulation of these GAGs in tissues [EMA, 2022]. Additionally, these molecules serve as targets for neutralizing agents and are being explored for their roles in cancer progression and inflammatory responses [Nature, 2018]. Their structural diversity allows them to interact with a wide array of proteins, including growth factors, cytokines, and protease inhibitors, making them central to cellular homeostasis [PubMed, 2004].

Other names

Chondroitin sulfate BHeparitin sulfateAcid mucopolysaccharidesSulfated glycosaminoglycansGAGs

Enzymatic degradation of accumulated glycosaminoglycans via enzyme replacement therapy; neutralization of polyanionic charge to inhibit biological activity; competitive inhibition of growth factor binding.