Messages in the matrix: proteoglycans go the distance.
The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are key regulators of cell growth and differentiation during embryogenesis. They deliver both short-range and distant signals assisted by their proteoglycan (PG) coreceptors in the pericellular matrix. The study by Hou et al. (2007) has identified a novel autoinductive loop involving FGF and the secreted serine protease xHtrA1 that leads to the mobilization of latent FGF/PG complexes. These complexes are long-range messages for mesoderm induction and establishment of the embryonic body plan.
Gallagher
John
J
School of Cancer & Imaging Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M20 4BX, United Kingdom. jgallagher@picr.man.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D058578:Biglycan; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000201:enzymology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D053673:Glypicans / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D053671:Syndecan-4 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D029867:Xenopus Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D014982:Xenopus laevis / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*
D058578:Biglycan; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D053673:Glypicans; D011509:Proteoglycans; D053671:Syndecan-4; D029867:Xenopus Proteins; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors