WS: PGs

Question 1

+ How do GAGs interact with other protein families (key residues and components)

Answer 1

• Involves electrostatic/ionic interactions between the sulphate and carboxyl groups of GAGs and the basic amino acid residue of the protein

Question 2

+ How do GAGs function in Alzheimer’s Disease?

Answer 2

• GAG assist in amyloid fibril formation

Question 3

+ How do GAGs function in tissue repair?

Answer 3

• Interaction of HS with TL4R on leukocytes
• See: Tether and roll, L6

Question 4

+ Outline how a virus/bacteria might use PGs in infection? (Give 2 examples)

Answer 4

• Viral envelope glycoprotein E has several binding sites for HS
• e.g. Herpes simplex virus

Question 5

What elements of HSPGs are genetic vs acquired?

Answer 5

• Genetic: Core proteins
• Chain modifications are more crucial in exerting effects/specificity -> region specificity e.g. in development

Question 6

HSPGs in cancer: 2 examples

Answer 6

• Syndecan-1 expression in myeloma directly related to disease severity and progression
• Glypican-3 is re-expressed in a majority of hepatocellular carcinoma examples