Abstract
Proteoglycans are complex macromolecules that contain a core protein to which at least one glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain is covalently bound. This simple definition encompasses a wide range of structures involving different core proteins, different classes of GAG, and different numbers and lengths of GAG chains. This enormous versatility at the molecular level allows proteoglycans to serve many diverse structural and organizational functions in tissues. These macromolecules are found in almost all mammalian tissues and are especially prominent in connective tissues. The purpose of this chapter is to define the chemical structures of some proteoglycans that have been investigated and the possible roles that they serve in tissue organization and function. For reviews and background information, see Muir and Hardingham (1975), Comper and Laurent (1978), Rodén (1980), Hascall (1977, 1981), Lindahl and Höök (1978), and Muir (1980).
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Hascall, V.C., Hascall, G.K. (1981). Proteoglycans. In: Hay, E.D. (eds) Cell Biology of Extracellular Matrix. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0881-2_3
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