Structural features of GAGs and their interactions

Serge Perez

The essential role of protein–glycosaminoglycan interactions in the regulation of various physiological processes has been recognized for several decades but it is only recently that the molecular basis underlying such interactions has emerged. The different methodologies to elucidate the three-dimensional features of glycosaminoglycans along with the interactions with proteins cover high resolution NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, molecular modeling, and hydrodynamic measurements. Finally, several selected examples enlightening the complexity of the nature of the interactions occurring between proteins and glycosaminoglycans are given.