title: Key roles for the small leucine-rich proteoglycans in renal and pulmonary pathophysiology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are molecules that have signaling roles in a multitude of biological processes. In this respect, SLRPs play key roles in the evolution of a variety of diseases throughout the human body.
  
  
  METHODS
  We will critically review current developments in the roles of SLRPs in several types of disease of the kidney and lungs. Particular emphasis will be given to the roles of decorin and biglycan, the best characterized members of the SLRP gene family.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In both renal and pulmonary disorders, SLRPs are essential elements that regulate several pathophysiological processes including fibrosis, inflammation and tumor progression. Decorin has remarkable antifibrotic and antitumorigenic properties and is considered a valuable potential treatment of these diseases. Biglycan can modulate inflammatory processes in lung and renal inflammation and is a potential target in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SLRPs can serve as either treatment targets or as potential treatment in renal or lung disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Matrix-mediated cell behaviour and properties.
authors: Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Electronic address: madalina.nastase@gmail.com.
authors: Madalina V
authors: MV
authors: Nastase
authors: Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, and the Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Electronic address: iozzo@kimmelcancercenter.org.
authors: Renato V
authors: RV
authors: Iozzo
authors: Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Electronic address: schaefer@med.uni-frankfurt.de.
authors: Liliana
authors: L
authors: Schaefer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000090263:Leucine-Rich Repeat Proteins; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000090263:Leucine-Rich Repeat Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D011509:Proteoglycans
keywords: Biglycan; Cancer; Decorin; Extracellular matrix; TGF-β; Toll-like receptor