Heparan

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans is an integral part of the basement membrane. It is a large biomolecule with a molecular mass >400 kDa, composed of a core protein covalently bound to heparan sulfate chains. The number of the polysaccharide chains and the size of the core protein may vary according to the source. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan is a multifunctional molecule. It is a component of the extracellular matrix that binds to fibroblast growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and VEGF receptors through its sugar moiety. It acts as a docking molecule for matrilysin (MMP-7) and other matrix metalloproteinases. It may be important in cell proliferation and differentiation. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan promotes the attachment of cells in culture. It binds to a variety of molecules found in the extracellular matrix including laminin, fibronectin, collagen type IV, and FGF-basic. It induces high affinity binding of FGF-basic to cells deficient in heparan sulfate and soluble FGF receptors. 

Heparan Products

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