ABSTRACT
The role of proteoglycans (PGs) in physiological and pathological conditions, especially to the role of proteoglycans in malignant transformation, tumorous growth and progression — considered nowadays as a hot point of cancer research. The functions of PGs encompass a broad spectrum of events in intercellular and in cell-ECM communications. The two main functions of PGs are the regulation of cell proliferation and cell adhesion. ECM PGs are highly hydrophilic, determining the actual hydration of the connective tissue. Attachment and detachment of cells to and from a cell community may also be a function related to PGs. PGs of solid tumors are produced by the tumor cells and the nontumorous connective tissue. Considering the wide variety of functions attributed to PGs and their expression in cells during carcinogenesis and tumor progression it is conceivable to expect an information-explosion in this field in the near future.
