A Glycopolymer Chaperone for Fibroblast Growth Factor-2

• DOI: 10.1021/bc034138t
• Publication Date: 2004-01-21T05:27:16Z
• Authors: Ran Guan; Xue-Long Sun; Sijian Hou; Peiyi Wu; Elliot L. Chaikof
• Keywords: Glycopolymer; Disaccharide; Chaperone (clinical)

Mono- and disaccharide-containing glycopolymers were synthesized by cyanoxyl-mediated polymerization of acrylamide with acrylate-derivatized mono- disaccharides. We demonstrate that a glycopolymer bearing pendant, fully sulfated lactose units effectively replaces heparin heparan sulfate as molecular chaperone for fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). Specifically, compound was identified protects FGF-2 from proteolytic, acid, heat-induced degradation, while selectively promoting factor receptor dimerization. Significantly, the capacity this heparin-mimic to promote an specific proliferative cell response confirmed suggests potential applications related derivatives in areas therapeutic angiogenesis.