Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Journal
Proteoglycan Research
Abstract
Proteoglycans (PGs) are a diverse class of glycoconjugates that serve critical functions in normal mechanobiology and mechanopathology. Both the protein cores and attached glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains function in mechanically-sensitive processes, and loss of either can contribute to development of pathological conditions. PGs function as key components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) where they can serve as mechanosensors in mechanosensitive tissues including bone, cartilage, tendon, blood vessels and soft organs. The mechanical properties of these tissues depend on the presence and function of PGs, which play important roles in tissue elasticity, osmolarity and pressure sensing, and response to physical activity. Tissue responses depend on cell surface mechanoreceptors that include integrins, CD44, voltage sensitive ion channels, transient receptor potential (TRP) and piezo channels. PGs contribute to cell and molecular interplay in wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer, where they transduce the mechanical properties of the ECM and influence the progression of various context-specific conditions and diseases. The PGs that are most important in mechanobiology vary depending on the tissue and its functions and functional needs. Perlecan, for example, is important in the mechanobiology of basement membranes, cardiac and skeletal muscle, while aggrecan plays a primary role in the mechanical properties of cartilage and joints. A variety of techniques have been used to study the mechanobiology of PGs, including atomic force microscopy, mouse knockout models, and
Keywords
Mechanobiology, basement membranes, cancer, fibrosis, mechanoreceptors, tissue stiffness, wound healing
DOI
10.1002/pgr2.21
PMID
39584146
PMCID
PMC11584024
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
5-20-2025
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Recommended Citation
Farach-Carson, Mary C; Wu, Danielle; and França, Cristiane Miranda, "Proteoglycans in Mechanobiology of Tissues and Organs: Normal Functions and Mechanopathology" (2024). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 64.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthdb_docs/64
Published Open-Access
yes
