Syndecan-1 consists of a core protein with attached heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate chains. These glycosaminoglycan chains enable syndecan-1 to bind to a variety of ligands, including growth factors, chemokines, and extracellular matrix components . This binding capacity allows syndecan-1 to mediate several biological processes, such as:
Syndecan-1 is implicated in several pathological conditions, including cancer, inflammation, and wound healing . In cancer, syndecan-1 is often misexpressed, and its levels can correlate with tumor progression and poor prognosis . It is also involved in the regulation of cancer stem cells, which are responsible for tumor recurrence and resistance to therapy .
Recombinant human syndecan-1 is produced using various expression systems, such as mammalian cells, to ensure proper post-translational modifications and biological activity . The recombinant protein is used in research to study its role in cell adhesion, signaling, and disease mechanisms. It is also utilized in drug development and therapeutic applications .