The Solution Structure of Heparan Sulfate Differs from That of Heparin

Abstract

The polysaccharide heparan sulfate (HS) exhibits key physiological roles. Results: Analytical ultracentrifugation and x-ray scattering revealed extended but bent HS solution structures. Conclusion: Scattering fits resulted in molecular models for HS in solution with glycosidic angles in good accord with a HS crystal structure. Significance: These bent HS models clarify how HS interacts with its ligands.