Recombinant human Syndecan 4 protein (Active)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Syndecan 4 also known as SDC4 is a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan with a molecular mass of around 30 kDa. It functions mechanically by interacting with the extracellular matrix via its heparan sulfate chains which are critical for binding growth factors and other matrix molecules. Syndecan 4 is ubiquitously expressed in many cell types including fibroblasts and epithelial cells playing a role in cell adhesion and migration.

Biological function summary

Syndecan 4 contributes to cell signaling and cytoskeletal organization. This proteoglycan acts as an essential co-receptor for various growth factors facilitating their interaction with their receptors on the cell surface. By doing so it supports cell proliferation and repair processes and it's also known to interact with integrins to modulate cell adhesion. Syndecan 4 does not function alone; it forms part of complexes with other cell surface receptors and interacts with key signaling molecules inside cells.

Pathways

Syndecan 4 is integral in the regulation of several signal transduction pathways such as the protein kinase C (PKC) and Rho family GTPase pathways. These pathways are essential for modulating cellular responses to mechanical stress and changes in the extracellular environment. Syndecan 4 works closely with proteins such as fibronectin and integrins within these pathways to distribute mechanical signals appropriately across the cell membrane linking the extracellular matrix to intracellular processes.

Syndecan 4 has strong associations with conditions like cancer and arthritis. In cancer altered Syndecan 4 expression can impact tumor cell proliferation and metastasis often in concert with matrix metalloproteinases which remodel the extracellular matrix environment to facilitate invasion. In arthritis Syndecan 4 plays a role in inflammatory processes where its interactions with cytokines and other cell-surface proteins can influence cartilage degradation and joint inflammation.