Regulation of cytoskeletal organization by syndecan transmembrane proteoglycans

Syndecans, a family of transmembrane proteoglycans, interact with numerous extracellular ligands through specific sequences in their heparan sulfate chains and have been considered to be co-receptors for matrix molecules and growth factors. In addition to their roles as co-receptors, many studies have recently suggested that signaling through core protein of syndecans can regulate cytoskeletal organization through their clustering, association with cytoskeletal structures, binding to cytoplasmic binding proteins, and intracellular phosphorylation. Here we will review current understanding of signaling through syndecans in cytoskeletal organization. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V./International Society of Matrix Biology. All rights reserved.