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Glycosaminoglycans: key players in cancer cell biology and treatment
Author(s) -
Afratis Nikos,
Gialeli Chrisostomi,
Nikitovic Dragana,
Tsegenidis Theodore,
Karousou Evgenia,
Theocharis Achilleas D.,
Pavão Mauro S.,
Tzanakakis George N.,
Karamanos Nikos K.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2012.08529.x
Subject(s) - glycosaminoglycan , sulfation , proteoglycan , biology , cell , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , cancer cell , cell growth , cancer , chemistry , extracellular matrix , genetics
Glycosaminoglycans are natural heteropolysaccharides that are present in every mammalian tissue. They are composed of repeating disaccharide units that consist of either sulfated or non‐sulfated monosaccharides. Their molecular size and the sulfation type vary depending on the tissue, and their state either as part of proteoglycan or as free chains. In this regard, glycosami‐noglycans play important roles in physiological and pathological conditions. During recent years, cell biology studies have revealed that glycosaminoglycans are among the key macromolecules that affect cell properties and functions, acting directly on cell receptors or via interactions with growth factors. The accumulated knowledge regarding the altered structure of glycosaminoglycans in several diseases indicates their importance as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and progression, as well as pharmacological targets. This review summarizes how the fine structural characteristics of glycosaminoglycans, and enzymes involved in their biosynthesis and degradation, are involved in cell signaling, cell function and cancer progression. Prospects for glycosaminoglycan‐based therapeutic targeting in cancer are also discussed.