Syndecans – key regulators of cell signaling and biological functions

Nikolaos A. Afratis, Dragana Nikitovic, Hinke A.B. Multhaupt, Achilleas D. Theocharis, John R. Couchman, Nikos K. Karamanos*

*Corresponding author for this work
    106 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Syndecans are a small family of four transmembrane proteoglycans in mammals. They have similar structural organization, consisting of an N-terminal ectodomain, single transmembrane domain and C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Over the years, the association between syndecans and the actin cytoskeleton has been established, which has consequences for the regulation of cell adhesion and migration. Specifically, ecto- and cytoplasmic domains are responsible for the interaction with extracellular matrix molecules and intracellular kinases, respectively. These interactions indicate syndecans as key molecules during cancer initiation and progression. Particularly syndecans interact with other cell surface receptors, such as growth factor receptors and integrins, which lead to activation of downstream signaling pathways, which are critical for the cellular behavior. Moreover, this review describes the key role of syndecans in intracellular calcium regulation and homeostasis. The syndecan-mediated regulation of calcium metabolism is highly correlated with cells’ adhesion phenotype through the actin cytoskeleton and formation of junctions, with implications during differentiation and disease progression.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalFEBS Journal
    Volume284
    Issue number1
    Pages (from-to)27-41
    Number of pages15
    ISSN1742-464X
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2017

    Keywords

    • cell adhesion
    • growth factor receptors
    • growth factors
    • integrins
    • migration
    • signaling
    • syndecans

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