Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in Human Colorectal Cancer

Figure 1

Putative model of the functions of HSPGs in CRC cells. The cell surface HSPG syndecan-2 (Syn-2) is upregulated and promotes cancer cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Syndecan-1 and syndecan-4 (Syn-1; Syn-4), generally antitumor molecules, are reduced in colon carcinoma cells. The cell surface HSPG glypican-1 (Gly-1) is increased in CRC and is involved in tumor progression. The augmentation of matrix HSPG perlecan favors angiogenesis and tumor growth. The SULF enzymes are upregulated, and the edition of HS chains promotes proliferation and invasion of CRC cells. In addition, SULFs release growth factors that were bound to HS, stimulating the Wnt signaling pathway and the activation of β-catenin.