Proteoglycans

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Proteoglycans are glycoconjugates which constitute a topic of current interest in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and medicine. They belong to a versatile protein family whose potential functions stem either from their glycosaminoglycan chains or from specific regions of their protein cores. They help maintain the essential microenvironment for cell adhesion, migration and proliferation through their ability to function as links between cells and the extracellular matrix, and as growth-factor binders. The importance of proteoglycans is gaining recognition in a wide spectrum of research areas such as the brain and reproduction. This monograph discusses proteoglycans - their history, isolation, strucure, regulation and their biological and medical function.