The GAG chains of HSPG2 bind growth factors in the ECM, and serve as co-ligands or ligand enhancers when bound to receptors. For example, HS-bound FGF was released from cultured cells by treatments with MMP3, rat MMP13, and plasmin (Whitelock et al. 1996). The core protein of HSPG2 can be cleaved by rat cathepsin S (Liuzzo et al. 1999).
Whitelock, JM, Murdoch, AD, Iozzo, RV, Underwood, PA
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