Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan (HSPG)

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are glycoproteins characterized by the presence of one or more covalently attached heparan sulfate (HS) chains. They are found at the cell surface and within the extracellular matrix, where they play critical roles as receptors and coreceptors for a wide variety of ligands. HSPGs influence numerous biological processes including growth factor signaling, cell adhesion, tissue architecture, developmental processes, angiogenesis, blood coagulation, and tumor metastasis. They also serve as viral entry points and are therapeutic targets especially in oncology.

Other names

HS ProteoglycanHSPGs

Monoclonal antibodies against specific HSPG types/core proteins or mimetics that disrupt HS-ligand interactions. Some drugs target enzymes involved in HSPG biosynthesis/modification or directly bind HS chains themselves.