Heparan sulphate biosynthesis and disease

Proteoglycans carrying heparan sulphate (HS) chains are ubiquitously expressed at cell surfaces and in extra-cellular matrices, and HS chains interact with numerous proteins, including growth factors, morphogens and extra-cellular-matrix proteins. These interactions form the basis of HS-related biological phenomena. Thus, the biosynthesis of HS regulates key events in embryonic development and homeostasis, and deranged HS biosynthesis could cause diseases. EXT1 and EXT2 genes encoding the polymerase responsible for HS biosynthesis are known as causative genes of hereditary multiple exostoses, a dominantly inherited genetic disorder characterized by the formation of multiple cartilaginous tumours. In this review, we will summarize HS biosynthesis in several model animals, the effects on cellular functions by alteration of HS biosynthesis, and HS-associated diseases. This review suggests that HS biosynthetic enzymes would be potential candidates for drug targets in various diseases.