Syndecan

Syndecan is a type of proteoglycan that is found on the surface of cells in the cell membrane. It is a member of the syndecan family, which includes four known members: Syndecan-1, Syndecan-2, Syndecan-3, and Syndecan-4. These proteins play a crucial role in cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and cell migration.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Syndecans are composed of a core protein and several glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains. The core protein has a short cytoplasmic domain, a single transmembrane domain, and a large extracellular domain. The GAG chains are attached to the extracellular domain and can be either heparan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate.

Function[edit | edit source]

Syndecans have a variety of functions in the body. They are involved in the regulation of cell growth and cell division, and they also play a role in wound healing and inflammation. In addition, syndecans can interact with other proteins, such as growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins, to modulate their activity.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Alterations in syndecan expression or function have been associated with a number of diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. For example, increased expression of Syndecan-1 has been observed in several types of cancer, including breast cancer and multiple myeloma. On the other hand, decreased expression of Syndecan-1 has been associated with poor prognosis in lung cancer and colorectal cancer.

References[edit | edit source]

Syndecan Resources
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