title: The biology of small leucine-rich proteoglycans in bone pathophysiology.
abstract: The class of small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) is a family of homologous proteoglycans harboring relatively small (36-42 kDa) protein cores compared with the larger cartilage and mesenchymal proteoglycans. SLRPs have been localized to most skeletal regions, with specific roles designated during all phases of bone formation, including periods relating to cell proliferation, organic matrix deposition, remodeling, and mineral deposition. This is mediated by key signaling pathways regulating the osteogenic program, including the activities of TGF-β, bone morphogenetic protein, Wnt, and NF-κB, which influence both the number of available osteogenic precursors and their subsequent development, differentiation, and function. On the other hand, SLRP depletion is correlated with degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis and ectopic bone formation. This minireview will focus on the SLRP roles in bone physiology and pathology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, Greece.
authors.forename: Dragana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nikitovic
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aggelidakis
authors.forename: Marian F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Renato V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Iozzo
authors.forename: Nikos K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Karamanos
authors.forename: George N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Tzanakakis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000502:physiology*; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000378:metabolism*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D060449:Wnt Signaling Pathway / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D016328:NF-kappa B; D011509:Proteoglycans; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta