DERMATAN SULPHATE Meaning and
Definition
-
Dermatan sulfate (also known as dermatan sulphate) is a type of glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is a long chain of repeating sugars that are essential components of the extracellular matrix in animal tissues. It is primarily found in the skin, blood vessels, heart valves, and connective tissues, where it plays a vital role in providing structure and elasticity.
Dermatan sulfate is composed of repeating disaccharide units that consist of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine. These units are linked together by specific enzymes and modifications, giving dermatan sulfate its unique characteristics.
Its main function is to maintain tissue integrity and support various physiological processes. It acts as a lubricant in the joints, helping with smooth movement. Additionally, it helps regulate the formation and maintenance of collagen and elastin fibers, which provide strength and elasticity to the skin and blood vessels. Moreover, dermatan sulfate can play a role in cell signaling and communication by interacting with various proteins and growth factors.
Alterations in the structure or metabolism of dermatan sulfate can lead to various disorders, such as the rare genetic condition called Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by the impaired breakdown of dermatan sulfate, resulting in its accumulation in various tissues and organs.
Overall, dermatan sulfate is an important component of the extracellular matrix, essential for maintaining tissue structure, elasticity, and proper physiological functioning.
Common Misspellings for DERMATAN SULPHATE
- sermatan sulphate
- xermatan sulphate
- cermatan sulphate
- fermatan sulphate
- rermatan sulphate
- eermatan sulphate
- dwrmatan sulphate
- dsrmatan sulphate
- ddrmatan sulphate
- drrmatan sulphate
- d4rmatan sulphate
- d3rmatan sulphate
- deematan sulphate
- dedmatan sulphate
- defmatan sulphate
- detmatan sulphate
- de5matan sulphate
- de4matan sulphate
- dernatan sulphate
- derkatan sulphate
Etymology of DERMATAN SULPHATE
The word "dermatan sulphate" is derived from two components: "dermatan" and "sulphate".
1. Dermatan: The term "dermatan" is derived from the Greek word "derma", meaning skin. It is commonly associated with the skin and connective tissues.
2. Sulphate: "Sulphate" refers to a salt or an ester of sulfuric acid. The word itself comes from the Latin word "sulfur", meaning sulfur or brimstone.
Therefore, "dermatan sulphate" is a compound term combining the Greek word for skin ("dermatan") and the chemical term for a sulfuric acid salt or ester ("sulphate").
