Glycosaminoglycans, including those attached to core proteins of proteoglycans, are linear polyanions composed of hexuronate residues alternating with either glucosamine- or galactosamine derivatives. In galactosaminoglycans the disaccharide subunits can be modified in varying locations within the chains to a variable extent. The modification reaction of sulfation and epimerization lead to specific saccharide sequences controlling a wide range of recently recognized, pivotal functions in tissue development, homeostasis, and repair, and in tumor metastasis. To understand the biological function of galactosaminoglycans it is important to know their biosynthesis and the fine structure.
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