Heparan sulfate
Heparan Sulfate
Heparan sulfate (pronunciation: heh-PAH-ran SUL-fate) is a linear polysaccharide found in nearly all animal tissues. It occurs as a proteoglycan (HSPG) in which two or three heparan sulfate chains are attached in close proximity to cell surface or extracellular matrix proteins.
Etymology
The term "Heparan" is derived from the Greek word "hepar", meaning liver, as it was in this organ that the compound was first isolated. "Sulfate" refers to the presence of sulfate groups in the molecule.
Structure
Heparan sulfate is composed of a chain of alternating sugars (glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine) that are modified in various ways, such as sulfation at different positions, epimerization of glucuronic acid into iduronic acid, and occasional cleavage of the N-acetyl group from the glucosamine unit to form glucosamine.
Function
Heparan sulfate is involved in a variety of biological activities, including cell signaling and interactions, blood coagulation, and viral infection. It is also a major component of the extracellular matrix, contributing to the structural integrity of tissues.
Related Terms
- Proteoglycan: A protein that is heavily glycosylated, to which heparan sulfate is attached.
- Extracellular matrix: A three-dimensional network of extracellular macromolecules, such as collagen, enzymes, and glycoproteins, that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.
- Cell signaling: The complex system of communication that governs basic cellular activities and coordinates cell actions.
- Blood coagulation: The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot.
- Viral infection: The invasion of body tissues by viruses, and their multiplication.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Heparan sulfate
- Wikipedia's article - Heparan sulfate
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski