Dermatan sulfate functions

One of the manifestations of generalized or localized pretibial myxedema is a pronounced edema of the corium, with accumulation of mucinous material in the edema fluid. Both hyaluronic acid and a sulfated mucopolysaccharide fraction were isolated in increased quantity from the affected area of the skin of a patient with localized pretibial myxedema (Wl). Following this observation, the relationship between the functional status of the thyroid gland and the mucopolysaccharides of skin has been discussed in numerous publications. Analysis of the acid mucopolysaccharides of human skin has revealed the presence of dermatan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and a small amount of chondroitin 4- or 6-sulfate (L9). 

Chondroitin, dermatan and their sulfates. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans have been localized to cartilage, bone, cornea and intervertebral disc, whereas dermatan sulfate is found in skin and aorta. In addition to its mechanical role, appears to have a host of regulatory functions. 

Biglycan (formerly called PG-I ) is another ubiquitous component of connective tissue matrix [120], and was so named because it has two chondroitin sulfate or dermatan sulfate chains. It binds to TGF 3 and to other proteins through the core protein rather than the glycosaminoglycan chains [118], but this binding has not been examined to the same degree as that of decorin. The role of IduA in the function of biglycan is also not known. 

Figure 1 Biological functions of dermatan sulfate (chondroitin sulfate B) that have been described in human cells or tissues.

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