Proteoglycan (PG)

Proteoglycans are a class of glycoproteins characterized by a core protein covalently attached to one or more glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains. They are highly glycosylated, large molecules found predominantly in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissues, but also on cell surfaces and occasionally within cells. They provide structural support, bind water, regulate molecule movement, modulate protein activity, and serve as co-receptors. Alterations or defects in proteoglycans can contribute to diseases involving connective tissue integrity loss (e.g., osteoarthritis), abnormal wound healing/scarring/fibrosis processes, impaired neural regeneration after injury due to inhibitory effects on axon regrowth.

Other names

AggrecanDecorinBiglycanFibromodulinLumicanHeparan sulfate proteoglycansHSPGs