Syndecans
syndecans
Syndecans are single transmembrane domain proteins that are thought to act as coreceptors, especially for G protein-coupled receptors. These core proteins carry three to five heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate chains, which allow for interaction with a large variety of ligands including fibroblast growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor -beta, fibronectin and antithrombin -1. Interactions between fibronectin and some syndecans can be modulated by the extracellular matrix protein tenascin C.