TY - JOUR T1 - Matrix proteoglycans as effector molecules for epithelial cell function JF - European Respiratory Review JO - EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW SP - 137 LP - 144 DO - 10.1183/09059180.05.00009703 VL - 14 IS - 97 AU - C. W. Frevert AU - P. L. Sannes Y1 - 2005/12/01 UR - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/14/97/137.abstract N2 - 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. ER -