Aggrecan in Cardiovascular Development and Disease

Aggrecan is a large proteoglycan that forms giant hydrated aggregates with hyaluronan in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The extraordinary resistance of these aggregates to compression explains their abundance in articular cartilage of joints where they ensure adequate load-bearing. In the brain, they provide mechanical buffering and contribute to formation of perineuronal nets, which regulate synaptic plasticity. Aggrecan is also present in...