chondroitin sulfate catabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown of chondroitin sulfate, any member of a group of 10-60 kDa glycosaminoglycans, widely distributed in cartilage and other mammalian connective tissues, the repeat units of which consist of beta-(1,4)-linked D-glucuronyl beta-(1,3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine sulfate. [GOC:mah, ISBN:0198506732]

Chondroitin sulfate catabolism is a complex process that involves the breakdown of chondroitin sulfate, a major component of cartilage, into smaller fragments that can be further degraded or excreted. The process begins with the degradation of chondroitin sulfate by chondroitin sulfatases, a family of enzymes that remove sulfate groups from the molecule. This step is followed by the cleavage of the glycosidic bonds between the sugar units of chondroitin sulfate by chondroitinases, another family of enzymes. The resulting fragments can be further degraded by other enzymes, such as β-glucuronidase and β-galactosidase, leading to the production of monosaccharides and disaccharides. These smaller fragments can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted in the urine. Chondroitin sulfate catabolism is regulated by various factors, including growth factors, cytokines, and hormones. The process plays an important role in cartilage turnover and repair, as well as in the pathogenesis of diseases such as osteoarthritis. Impaired chondroitin sulfate catabolism can lead to the accumulation of chondroitin sulfate in the cartilage, contributing to the development of osteoarthritis. Conversely, excessive chondroitin sulfate catabolism can lead to cartilage degradation and thinning.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (20)