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Matrix proteoglycans as effector molecules for epithelial cell function

^* Pulmonary and Molecular Pathology Research Laboratories at the Seattle, Dept of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Dept of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, and ^# Dept of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.

CORRESPONDENCE: C. W. Frevert, Seattle VAMC Pulmonary Research Group, Seattle VA Medical Center, 151L, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. Fax: 1 2067685289. E-mail: cfrevert{at}u.washington.edu

Matrix proteoglycans are complex molecules composed of a core protein and glycosaminoglycan side chains. Once thought to be the molecular glue providing structural support and imparting biomechanical properties to lung tissue, it is now apparent that proteoglycans are important biological modifiers which regulate processes such as lung development, homeostasis, inflammation and wound healing. The diverse roles of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix suggest that these molecules play a critical role in normal and diseased lungs. This short article will discuss the role extracellular matrix proteoglycans play in regulating epithelial cell function in the lungs.

KEYWORDS: Chondrotin sulphate, epithelial cell, heparan sulphate, perlecan, proteoglycans, versican