Fig 6. Model for SULF1 tumor-suppressing role in PCa biomimetic hydrogels.

Stroma-derived SULF1 (yellow stars) promote 6-O-desulfation of heparan sulfate (HS) chains (thin green lines) on HSPGs in the matrix, such as perlecan, and at cell surface. This action results in reduced signaling due to 1) releasing of HBGFs from HSPGs, and 2) disturbing formation of ternary signaling complexes. Lack of SULF1 in the microenvironment allows HBGFs to remain stabilized on HSPGs and to activate receptors at the cell surface, promoting signaling.