Syndecan-3 (SDC3)

Syndecan-3 is a member of the syndecan family of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans, functioning as a co-receptor involved in cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions and signal transduction. Structurally, it is the largest syndecan, with a core protein containing seven glycosaminoglycan (GAG) attachment sites, bearing both heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate chains. Syndecan-3 expression is most prominent in the nervous system but is also found in inflammatory cells such as macrophages and mesenchymal stromal cells. Its roles include regulation of cell shape (via the actin cytoskeleton), cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and participation in inflammatory and angiogenic processes. Syndecan-3 acts as a co-receptor for growth factors, contributes to pathways such as ERK and AKT, influences macrophage pro-inflammatory activity, mediates matrix adhesion (notably as a collagen receptor and potential integrin co-receptor), and has been implicated in neurobiology, angiogenesis, inflammation (including arthritis), and certain infection processes (e.g., HIV facilitation). Currently there are no approved drugs targeting SDC3, nor are any clinically established biomarkers for its activity.

Other names

N-syndecanSDCNSYND3syndecan 3

No drugs with defined mechanism of action; endogenous function involves modulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) binding, co-receptor activity for growth factors, regulation of ERK and AKT signaling pathways, Notch/BMP signaling modulation, and interaction with cytoskeletal adaptors