title: Role of heparan sulfate-2-O-sulfotransferase in the mouse.
abstract: Heparan sulfate (HS) is a long unbranched polysaccharide found covalently attached to various proteins at the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix. It plays a central role in embryonic development and cellular function by modulating the activities of an extensive range of growth factors and morphogens. HS 2-O-sulfotransferase (Hs2st) occupies a critical position in the succession of enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of HS, catalysing the transfer of sulfate to the C2-position of selected hexuronic acid residues within the nascent HS chain. Previous studies have concluded that 2-O-sulfation of HS is essential for it to cooperate in many growth factor/receptor interactions. Surprisingly therefore, embryos lacking functional Hs2st survive until birth, but die perinatally, suffering complete failure to form kidneys. However, this rather late lethality belies a more intricate involvement of 2-O-sulfated HS during development. The purpose of this review is to summarise the requirements for 2-O-sulfated HS during mouse development, at the morphological and molecular level. The implications that altered HS structure may have on growth factor/receptor signalling in vivo will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Research Campaign, Department of Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Catherine L R
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Merry
authors.forename: Valerie A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism; D006497:Heparan Sulfate / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D010641:Phenotype; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D015238:Sulfotransferases / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D006133:Growth Substances; D006497:Heparan Sulfate; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor; D015238:Sulfotransferases; C021350:heparitin sulfotransferase