concept

Keratan sulfate

Keratan sulfate has been well-studied for its functional role in both the cornea and the nervous system. The cornea comprises the richest known source of keratan sulfate in the body, followed by brain tissue.[14] The role of keratan sulfate in the cornea includes regulation of collagen fibril spacing that is essential for optical clarity, as well as optimization of corneal hydration during development based on its interaction with water molecules. As with other GAGs, the degree of sulfation of keratan sulfate determines its functional status. Abnormal sulfation patterns of keratan sulfate due to specific genetic mutations result in increased opacity of the cornea and result in visual disturbances.[14] Keratan sulfate has also been shown to play an important regulatory role in the development of neural tissue. Various subgroups of keratan sulfate in the brain have key roles in stimulating the growth of microglial cells and the promotion of axonal repair following injury. Abakan is an example of a type of keratan sulfate seen in brain tissue that serves to block neural attachment, which marks boundaries of neural growth in the developing brain.[14]

Ref:
Casale J, Crane JS. Biochemistry, Glycosaminoglycans. [Updated 2022 Mar 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544295/

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Added on Sep 27, 2022 by Barbara Van De Keer
Edited on Sep 27, 2022 by Barbara Van De Keer

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