Biosynthesis of dermatan sulfate: chondroitin-glucuronate C5-epimerase is identical to SART2.

We identified the gene encoding chondroitin-glucuronate C5-epimerase (EC 5.1.3.

Regulation of the chondroitin/dermatan fine structure by transforming growth factor-beta1 through effects on polymer-modifying enzymes.

The chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans (CS/DSPGs), biglycan, decorin, and versican play several important roles in extracellular matrix influencing matrix organization, cell proliferation, and recruitment. Moreover, they bind and regulate growth factors in the extracellular matrix. We have previously shown that cultured human lung fibroblasts treated with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) alone or in combination with epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor, increase the production of these PGs.