Heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are an essential class of macromolecules found in the extracellular matrix and on cell surfaces. They consist of a core protein with covalently attached heparan sulphate (HS) chains. The protein core can be diverse, with syndecans and glypicans being the most common HSPG families. The HS chains are composed of repeating disaccharide (sugar) units, consisting of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine, which can undergo extensive chemical modification, resulting in wide structural heterogeneity. Cell surface HSPGs play important roles in cell adhesion, migration, and signalling, whilst ECM-associated HSPGs contribute mainly to tissue organization and provide a reservoir for bound growth factors and cytokines. HSPGs also function in cell signalling and cell adhesion. For example, they can act as co-receptors for various growth factors, cytokines, and morphogens, modulating their signalling activities. By interacting with ligands and signalling receptors, HSPGs can either enhance or inhibit the activation of downstream signalling pathways. For example, HSPGs interact with fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and potentiate their interaction with FGF receptors, leading to the activation of downstream signalling pathways. HSPGs also participate in cell adhesion and migration processes through interactions with other ECM components and cell surface receptors. They facilitate cell attachment to the ECM and mediate cell-cell adhesion by binding to adhesion molecules. HSPGs can also modulate cell migration, with some HSPGs present on the cell surface serving as co-receptors for chemokines, enhancing their binding to specific chemokine receptors. This interaction facilitates cell migration in response to certain chemotactic signals. HSPGs also generally contribute to the structural organization of the ECM by interacting with other ECM components. For example, they participate in the formation of proteoglycan complexes and promote the assembly of collagen and elastin fibres and regulate the hydration and compressibility of the ECM, influencing its biomechanical properties. Finally, HSPGs play a crucial role in modulating inflammation and immune responses. They interact with various cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules, influencing leukocyte recruitment and activation, whilst participating in the clearance of pathogens and the regulation of antimicrobial peptide activity. Dysregulation of HSPGs is thought to be associated with a range of pathological conditions. For example, altered expression or modification of HSPGs can affect developmental processes, leading to skeletal and neurological disorders. Abnormalities in HSPG metabolism and signalling may also contribute to cardiovascular diseases, cancer metastasis, and inflammatory disorders. Their structural diversity, ability to modulate signalling pathways, and involvement in cell adhesion, migration, and immune response highlights their importance in development, homeostasis, and disease pathology. We provide a wide product range of research tools for investigating HSPGs, including Syndecan-1 antibodies, Glypican 3 antibodies, Syndecan 2 antibodies, and Syndecan 4 antibodies. Explore our full HSPG product range below and discover more, for less.