Dermatan sulfate

Dermatan sulfate (also known as chondroitin sulfate B) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) found mostly in the skin and in connective tissues of the body. It is used in the body as a natural anticoagulant, and it may have implications in the treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis.

Structure and Function

Dermatan sulfate is a linear polysaccharide consisting of galactosamine and glucuronic acid units. It is a member of the chondroitin sulfate family, and is also known as chondroitin sulfate B.

In the body, dermatan sulfate is found primarily in the skin, but also in blood vessels, the heart, the lungs, and connective tissues. It plays a crucial role in the body's coagulation system, acting as a natural anticoagulant by enhancing the activity of heparin cofactor II.

Clinical Significance

Dermatan sulfate has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis, a group of metabolic disorders caused by the absence or malfunctioning of certain enzymes needed to break down molecules called glycosaminoglycans.

In addition, dermatan sulfate may have a role in the development of cancer, as it has been found to be overexpressed in certain types of tumors.

See Also

• Chondroitin sulfate
• Glycosaminoglycan
• Mucopolysaccharidosis
• Heparin cofactor II

References

Dermatan sulfate Resources
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