Neural Proteoglycans
Description:... Proteoglycans are a family of proteins bearing covalently attached glycosaminoglycans such as chondroitin sulfate, heparan sulfate, heparin and keratan sulfate. Recently, it has been recognized that the nervous system contains many kinds of proteoglycans, which are classified into three major groups: chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, heparan sulfate proteoglycans and keratan sulfate proteoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans bind with many growth factors, chemokines, cell adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix proteins in a structure-dependent manner, regulating their signal transduction pathways. Through such multiple binding activities, proteoglycans play essential roles in the neural development, plasticity, aging and various pathological processes. In this review book, we assembled the most up-to-date findings about proteoglycans in the nervous system. Part I summarizes the structure and functions of neural proteoglycans and some enzymes responsible for the generation of heparan sulfate. Part II focuses on the roles of proteoglycans in the brain development, aging and plasticity. Part III highlights how proteoglycans regulate tissue repair processes after nervous system injury and discusses the therapeutic possibility of glycosaminoglycans. I believe that this book is highly beneficial to the scientists and doctors who are interested in the development and regeneration of the nervous tissue.
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