Rat anti Heparan Sulphate Proteoglycan

Proteoglycans are macromolecules consisting of a variety of core proteins with covalently attached one or several polysaccharide chains of the glycosaminoglycan type (heparan sulphate, heparin, chondroitin sulphate, dermatan sulphate or keRatan sulphate). At least two forms of basement membrane heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG) have been identified. One with a large core protein (> 400 kD) and one with a small core protein (30 kD). The large HSPG is probably the most abundant basement membrane proteoglycan. It is loCated predominantly in the lamina lucida, where it forms clustered aggregates and interacts with other basement membrane components to form the matrix. In addition, it also plays a critical role in attachment of cells to the basal membrane via integrin receptors.