BGN Human

Biglycan is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) that plays a crucial role in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of various tissues, including bone, cartilage, and tendon . It is encoded by the BGN gene located on the X chromosome in humans . Recombinant human biglycan is a laboratory-produced version of this protein, designed to mimic its natural form and function.

Biglycan belongs to the class I SLRP family, characterized by a core protein with leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) and N-terminal and C-terminal cysteine-rich domains . These structural features enable biglycan to interact with other ECM components, such as collagen fibrils, and mediate cell signaling .

As a key component of the ECM, biglycan contributes to the structural organization of tissues and the delivery of external cues to cells . It participates in scaffolding collagen fibrils, which is essential for maintaining the integrity and function of connective tissues . Additionally, biglycan interacts with toll-like receptors (TLR)-2 and TLR-4 on immune cells, initiating inflammation and aggravating inflammatory disorders .

Dysregulation of biglycan expression is associated with various clinical conditions, including metabolic disorders, inflammatory disorders, musculoskeletal defects, and malignancies . For instance, high biglycan expression is linked to tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis, which are associated with poor clinical outcomes in cancer patients . In the musculoskeletal system, biglycan strengthens tissues, and its absence can lead to defects .

Recombinant human biglycan is produced using advanced biotechnological methods to ensure high purity and functionality . It is often used in research to study its effects on cell growth, signaling pathways, and interactions with other proteins . For example, recombinant human biglycan has been shown to enhance utrophin expression and increase its bioavailability in developing myocytes, which is beneficial in models of muscular dystrophy .