Summary Proteoglycans contain glycosaminoglycans: chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, or heparan sulfate Chondroitin and dermatan sulfate proteoglycans are found in the matrix and play structural roles in cartilage, bone and soft tissues –Tissue architecture Heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate proteoglycans are found at the cell surface and play roles in cell adhesion and signaling during development –Growth control, positive and negative Proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix can also act as a reservoir of growth factors, protect growth factors from degradation, and facilitate the formation of gradients Human diseases in proteoglycan assembly are rare Degradation of these compounds is also important (MPS)
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