Dermatan sulfate
Dermatan Sulfate
Dermatan sulfate (pronunciation: der-MAT-an SUL-fate), also known as chondroitin sulfate B, is a Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) found mostly in the skin and in connective tissues of the body.
Etymology
The term 'Dermatan' is derived from the Greek word 'derma' meaning skin, and 'sulfate' refers to its chemical structure containing sulfate groups.
Structure and Function
Dermatan sulfate is a linear polymer composed of repeating disaccharide units. Each unit consists of an N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) and a Glucuronic acid (GlcA) or Iduronic acid (IdoA) residue. It is involved in various biological activities including cell adhesion, coagulation, and inflammation.
Clinical Significance
Dermatan sulfate plays a significant role in the blood coagulation system. It enhances the activity of Heparin Cofactor II, a serine protease inhibitor (serpin) which inactivates thrombin, a key enzyme in coagulation. Deficiency or structural defects in dermatan sulfate can lead to disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a group of inherited disorders that affect the connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues.
Related Terms
- Glycosaminoglycan
- N-Acetylgalactosamine
- Glucuronic acid
- Iduronic acid
- Heparin Cofactor II
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dermatan sulfate
- Wikipedia's article - Dermatan sulfate
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