Abstract

The biology of basement membrane proteoglycans extends far beyond the original notion of anionic filters. These complex molecules have dual roles as structural constituents of basement membranes and functional regulators of several growth-factor signalling pathways. As such, they are involved in angiogenesis and, consequently, in tumour progression and their partial or total absence causes several congenital defects that affect the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and nervous systems. New findings indicate a potential functional coupling between the intricate make-up of basement membrane proteoglycans and their ability to control important biological processes.

Author affiliations

1. Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, and the Cellular Biology and Signalling Program, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
   Email: iozzo@mail.jci.tju.edu

MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS

These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.