Semin Thromb Hemost 2002; 28(1): 67-78
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-20565
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Dynamic Regulation of Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Heparan Sulfate Glycosaminoglycans

Dongfang Liu1 , Zachary Shriver1 , Yiwei Qi1 , Ganesh Venkataraman2 , Ram Sasisekharan1, 3
  • 1Division of Bioengineering and Environmental Health, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • 2Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • 3Center for Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
05 March 2002 (online)

Preview

ABSTRACT

This article focuses on the emerging views and concepts concerning the role of cell surface and extracellular heparan sulfate-like glycosaminoglycans (HSGAGs) in tumor biology. HSGAGs, found ubiquitously both at the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix (ECM), play a critical role in regulating tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. The diverse biological functions of HSGAGs include the regulation of coagulation, growth factor signaling, cell adhesion, proliferation, and mobility. HSGAGs, depending on their location (anchored at the cell surface or soluble as free GAGs), the signaling molecules they associate with, and their fine structures, can either promote or inhibit the tumorigenic process.

REFERENCES