Chondroitin sulfate: A key molecule in the brain matrix

• Published in: The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology Vol. 44; no. 4; pp. 582 - 586
• Main Authors: Kwok, J.C.F., Warren, P., Fawcett, J.W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2012
• Subjects: Animals; binding properties; biochemical pathways; brain; Brain - metabolism; Brain - physiology; Brain Injuries - metabolism; Brain Injuries - physiopathology; Central nervous system; Chondroitin sulfate; Chondroitin Sulfates - biosynthesis; Chondroitin Sulfates - chemistry; Chondroitin Sulfates - metabolism; extracellular matrix; Gene Expression Regulation; glucuronic acid; Humans; neurodevelopment; Neuronal Plasticity; Plasticity; proteoglycans; Regeneration; Spinal Cord Injuries - metabolism; Spinal Cord Injuries - physiopathology; Regeneration; Chondroitin sulfate; Plasticity; Central nervous system
• ISSN: 1357-2725; 1878-5875
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.01.004

Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan composed of N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid. It attaches to a core protein to form chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG). Being a major component of the brain extracellular matrix, CSPGs are involved in neural development, axon pathfinding and guidance, plasticity and also regeneration after injury in the nervous system. In this review, we shall discuss the structure, the biosynthetic pathway, its functions in the nervous system and how we can improve regeneration in the nervous system by modulating its structure and binding properties.