Summary
Heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans at the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix
of most animal tissues are essential in development and homeostasis, and are implicated
in disease processes. Emerging evidence demonstrates the important roles of HS in
inflammatory reactions, particularly in the regulation of leukocyte extravasation.
Heparin, a classical anticoagulant, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in animal models
and in the clinic,presumably through interference with the functions of HS, as both
polysaccharides share a high similarity in molecular structure. Apart of regulation
during biosynthesis, the structures of HS and heparin are significantly modulated
by heparanase, an endoglycosidase that is upregulated in a number of inflammatory
conditions. Exploring the physiological roles of HS and heparin and the mode of heparanase
action in modulating their functions during inflammation responses is of importance
for future studies.
Keywords
Polysaccharide - proteoglycans - structure/function - chemokine - vascular endothelium
- transmigration