Glycosaminoglycans

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a class of complex sugar molecules that are widely found in nature. They have important functions in many biological processes such as cell proliferation, recognition, and inflammation. GAGs are involved in the formation and maintenance of normal tissues and are an essential component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In the body, GAGs are covalently linked to proteins and form proteoglycans, which are found in most tissues and organs including the skin, joints, and heart. They play a critical role in the regulation of cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, as well as providing structural integrity to the ECM. GAGs also play an important role in the regulation of inflammation, immunity, and wound healing.