Extracellular matrix components including heparan sulfate proteoglycans (ECM/HSPGs)

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex non-cellular network of macromolecules, including proteins, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans, that provides structural scaffolding and biochemical cues to tissues (Source: NIH National Cancer Institute). Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), such as syndecans and glypicans, are critical ECM components that regulate cell signaling by acting as co-receptors for growth factors like VEGF and FGF (Source: Bishop et al., 2007, Nature). These molecules are essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis, cell adhesion, and migration (Source: Sarrazin et al., 2011, Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol). In diseases like cancer, the ECM is often remodeled and HSPGs are degraded by enzymes like heparanase, facilitating tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis (Source: Vlodavsky et al., 2012, Matrix Biology). Therapeutic interventions targeting the ECM/HSPG axis include HSPG mimetics like muparfostat, which sequester growth factors to inhibit tumor growth (Source: Zhou et al., 2011, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry). Furthermore, HSPGs serve as primary attachment sites for various pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and herpes simplex virus, making them targets for antiviral strategies (Source: Clausen et al., 2020, Cell).

Other names

Extracellular matrixHSPGsCell surface proteoglycansBasement membrane componentsGlycosaminoglycans

Competitive inhibition of growth factor binding to heparan sulfate chains; Inhibition of heparanase-mediated matrix degradation; Blocking of viral and bacterial attachment to cell surface proteoglycans