Figure 2. Structure of Syndecans and glypicans.
The generalized structure of syndecan 1-4 (left panel) and glypicans 1-6 (right panel) are shown for comparison. The primary structural features to note are that syndecans have a transmembrane region and a highly conserved cytoplasm domain that participates in signaling. Syndecan can carry both heparan sulfate GAGs and chondroitin sulfate GAG. Glypicans contain a larger core protein, insert into the membrane via a GPI anchor and only carry heparan sulfate GAGs. Modified from: CE. Bandtlow and Dieter R. Zimmermann Physiol Rev 2000;80:1267-1290