ECM Environment and Growth Factors (Ms. Monidipa Konar)

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)-proteininteractions as a search for novel therapeutics is on high demand because of its role in cellular functions and signal transduction across the membrane. GAGs possesses a high negative charge and thus, can interact with a large array of proteins. It participates in signal transduction, cell-matrix interaction, cell–adhesion, cell proliferation, and thus, displays its potential as a therapeutic agent for a pool of diseases. A detailed study of the GAG-protein interaction would throw light on the various dynamics of protein folding which results in diseases, hence contributing to the search for new therapeutics. Understanding the basic details at the molecular level would help us get a better insight to develop strategies to cure disease. It would open new pathways for pharmacists, chemists and chemo-informatic intellectuals to identify the particular step or interaction that is contributing to disease and hence, the vast, challenging and dynamic world of drug-designing would get a direction to work for evolved and potent therapeutics.