Heparanase - a novel regulator for cell and matrix interactions

Dynamic interactions between cells and underlying extracellular matrices are crucial for development, maintenance of cellular function, and response of tissure to injury and infection. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) are found in extracelular matrices and on the surface of most nuclrarated cells,and play critical roles in cell-cell and cell-matrix signal transduct ion by binding many molecules, such as growth factors and cytokines. Most of the biological properties of HSPG are conferred by heparan sulfate side chains, which can be degraded by heparanase. Changes of heparanase expression and activity may affect the biological processes above, which enables extravasation of inflammation cells, metastasis and neoangiogenesis of tumor cells invasion.