About this Research Topic
An optimal tissue growth and regeneration is crucial to restore vital functions during life. Growth and regeneration involve interactions between numerous cell types, a fine-tuned extracellular matrix remodeling and homeostasis and communicated via a range of different cell receptors with the microenvironment. The proteoglycans (PGs) are crucial players in these processes. PGs are a specialized class of glycoproteins and are ubiquitously expressed throughout the body. They are important members of the extracellular matrix (ECM), having a variety of functions, both as cell surface receptors, structural proteins, and with high affinity for growth factors, enzymes, cytokines, lipids, and other ECM components. The diverse functions of PGs are determined by their structures; PGs consist of a core protein to which one or more sulfated unbranched glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains attach. The type of GAG chain with its highly specific modification of sulfation pattern further fine- tune their diverse biological effects. Shedding or enzymatic cleavage by specific proteases result in highly specific outcomes on their biological roles. The transportation of some proteoglycans to nucleus adds to the diversity of regulatory roles of these molecules.
A relevant aim in PG biology research field is identifying molecular mechanisms and major proteoglycan modulating cell growth and regeneration process, aiming at possibilities for future use as therapeutic targets and tissue engineering. Skeletal muscle growth, regeneration and wound healing processes are examples of proteoglycan relevance within the medical field. Specifically, which PGs are critical in these processes, and at which stage of cell behavior, their interaction partners, and regulations of their functions in these processes are still important and challenging research topics to address.
Thus, the aim of this Research Topic is to collect original research articles, short communications, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives that contribute to the advancements our understanding of PGs and molecular mechanisms in growth and regenerative processes. PG in relation to:
· Communication with the microenvironment
· Satellite cell regulation in skeletal muscle
· Extracellular matrix remodeling
· Structural and mechanical roles within the extracellular matrix
· Wound healing and fibrosis
· Tissue engineering and biomaterials
A relevant aim in PG biology research field is identifying molecular mechanisms and major proteoglycan modulating cell growth and regeneration process, aiming at possibilities for future use as therapeutic targets and tissue engineering. Skeletal muscle growth, regeneration and wound healing processes are examples of proteoglycan relevance within the medical field. Specifically, which PGs are critical in these processes, and at which stage of cell behavior, their interaction partners, and regulations of their functions in these processes are still important and challenging research topics to address.
Thus, the aim of this Research Topic is to collect original research articles, short communications, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives that contribute to the advancements our understanding of PGs and molecular mechanisms in growth and regenerative processes. PG in relation to:
· Communication with the microenvironment
· Satellite cell regulation in skeletal muscle
· Extracellular matrix remodeling
· Structural and mechanical roles within the extracellular matrix
· Wound healing and fibrosis
· Tissue engineering and biomaterials
Keywords: proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycan, tissue regeneration, growth, molecular mechanisms
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