heparin binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to heparin, a member of a group of glycosaminoglycans found mainly as an intracellular component of mast cells and which consist predominantly of alternating alpha-(1->4)-linked D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-6-sulfate residues. [GOC:jl, ISBN:0198506732]

Heparin binding is a molecular function characterized by the interaction of proteins or other molecules with heparin, a highly sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) found in the extracellular matrix and on the surface of cells. Heparin is a complex molecule with a diverse range of biological activities, including anticoagulation, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. Its ability to bind to a wide variety of proteins, including growth factors, chemokines, and enzymes, contributes to its diverse physiological roles. The binding of heparin to proteins often involves electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged sulfate groups of heparin and positively charged amino acid residues on the protein surface. This interaction can alter the conformation of the protein, its stability, its activity, and its interactions with other molecules. For example, heparin binding can activate or inhibit the activity of enzymes, regulate the release of growth factors, and modulate the inflammatory response. The specific molecular mechanisms underlying heparin binding can vary depending on the protein and the context of the interaction. In some cases, heparin can act as a scaffold, bringing together multiple proteins to form functional complexes. In other cases, heparin can act as a modulator of protein activity by altering the conformation of the protein or its interaction with other molecules. Heparin binding is a complex and dynamic process that plays a critical role in a wide range of cellular and physiological processes.'
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Proteins (35)

Compounds (708)