The regulatory roles of small leucine-rich proteoglycans in extracellular assembly

摘要

Small leucine rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are involved in a variety of biological and pathological processes. This review focuses on their regulatory roles in matrix assembly. SLRPs have protein cores and hypervariable glycosylation with multivalent binding abilities. During development, differential interactions of SLRPs with other molecules results in tissue-specific spatial and temporal distributions. The changing expression patterns play a critical role in the regulation of tissue-specific matrix assembly and, therefore, tissue function. SLRPs have significant structural roles within extracellular matrices. In addition, they have instructive roles, regulating collagen fibril growth, fibril organization, and extracellular matrix assembly. Moreover, they are involved in mediating cell-matrix interactions. Abnormal SLRP expression and/or structures result in dysfunctional extracellular matrices and pathophysiology. Altered expression of SLRPs has been found in many disease models, and structural deficiency also causes altered matrix assembly. SLRPs regulate the assembly of the extracellular matrix, which defines the microenvironment, modulating both the extracellular matrix and cellular functions leading to an impact on tissue function.