The role of decorin in collagen fibrillogenesis and skin homeostasis

Abstract

Decorin, a prototype member of the growing family of the small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRP's), plays significant roles in tissue development and assembly, as well as playing both direct and indirect signaling roles. This review will concentrate on decorin's function in collagen fibrillogenesis as determined through the study of mice with a disrupted decorin gene. The fragile skin and abnormal tendon phenotypes initially observed were found to be due to fundamental alterations in collagen fibers, highlighting the crucial role of proteoglycans in general and SLRP's in particular in collagen fibrillogenesis. The altered fibril formation within tissues in turn leads to observable and quantifiable changes at the organismal level. Research into certain fibrotic processes with concomitant upregulation or reduction of decorin makes interesting comparisons with the collagen malformations seen in Dcn(-/-) mice. Overall, decorin is shown to be a vital player in maintaining skin and tendon integrity at the molecular level, among other functions.

Joint hypermobility syndromes: The pathophysiologic role of tenascin‐X gene defects

“…The importance of SLRPs in regulating fibrillogenesis has become clear from studies of SLRP-deficient mice (32)(33)(34)(35)(36), some of which have phenotypes resembling EDS. However, thus far no mutations have been identified in any of the SLRPs in HT-EDS or BJHS.…”

Evidence against proteoglycan mediated collagen fibril load transmission and dynamic viscoelasticity in tendon

“…Decorin is ubiquitous in tendon and is regularly attached to the surface of collagen fibrils (Cribb and Scott, 1995;Raspanti et al, 1997) (see also, Figure 1). Decorin has been identified as a critical factor in the structural organization and development of the tissue (Birk et al, 1995;Reed and Iozzo, 2002;Zhang et al, 2006) as well as a promoter of nutrient diffusion (Koob and Summers, 2002). In addition to aiding in the bearing of compressive loads (as hydrophilic molecules that attract water), it has also been suggested that decorin may play a direct role in the support of tensile loads (Cribb and Scott, 1995;Hedbom and Heinegard, 1993;Korhonen et al, 2003;Liao and Vesely, 2007;Robinson et al, 2005;Robinson et al, 2004;Ruggeri A., 1984;Scott, 1986).…”

Low‐level laser irradiation promotes cell proliferation and mRNA expression of type I collagen and decorin in porcine achilles tendon fibroblasts In Vitro

“…Decorin is an abundant proteoglycan in the tendon matrix and is a well-studied proteoglycan for loaded tendons. 6,7 Increasing the production of type I collagen and decorin may enhance tendon healing.…”