As a result, GAGs occupy much space and resist compression. Their most common function seems to be filling space while allowing cell migration and the diffusion of water-soluble molecules. The resulting macromolecule is termed a proteoglycan. Proteoglycans are distributed on the surface of adventitial reticular cells as well as within the extracellular matrix. The most abundant of the GAGs are chondroitin sulfates, which occur in cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and aorta.
Dermatan sulfate is a connective tissue component found in skin, blood vessels, and heart valves.
Heparin is the only GAG with predominantly alpha-glycosidic links and occurs in connective tissue mast cells. Heparan sulfate is structurally similar to heparin and occurs in blood vessel walls and brain. Although GAGs have a heterogeneous composition, unique structural determinants within the polysaccharide mediate their interaction with specific GAG-binding proteins. Protein Interactions 1. In addition to inhibiting thrombin, AT also inhibits factor Xa and other proteases of the intrinsic coagulation pathway, including factor IXa, XIa, XIIa and kallikrein.