Syndecans in hematopoietic cells and their niches

• Published in: American Journal of Physiology: Cell Physiology Vol. 327; no. 2; pp. C372 - C378
• Main Authors: Hagen, Matthew W, Setiawan, Nicollette J, Woodruff, Kelsey A, Termini, Christina M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Physiological Society 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Bioavailability; Cell adhesion; Cell migration; Cell signaling; Glycoproteins; Growth factors; Hematopoietic stem cells; Heparan sulfate; Heparan sulfate proteoglycans; Lymphoma; Malignancy; Microenvironments; Mini-Review; Syndecan; Proteoglycan; Bone marrow niche; Hematopoiesis; Leukemia; Syndecan
• ISSN: 0363-6143; 1522-1563; 1522-1563
• DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00326.2024

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are a family of glycoproteins that modulate cell signaling by binding growth factors and changing their bioavailability. Syndecans are a specific family of transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans that regulate cell adhesion, migration, and signaling. In this review, we will summarize emerging evidence for the functions of Syndecans in the normal and malignant blood systems and their microenvironments. More specifically, we detail the known functions of Syndecans within normal hematopoietic stem cells. Further, we discuss the functions of Syndeans in hematological malignancies, including myeloid malignancies, lymphomas, and bleeding disorders. As normal and malignant hematopoietic cells require cues from their microenvironments to function, we also summarize the roles of Syndecans in cells of the stroma, endothelia, and osteolineage compartments. Syndecan biology is a rapidly evolving field; a comprehensive understanding of these molecules and their place in the hematopoietic system promises to improve our grasp on disease processes and better predict the efficacies of growth factor-targeting therapies.