chondroitin6sulfaat

Chondroitin-6-sulfate, also known as chondroitin sulfate-C (CS-C), is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan that forms part of the chondroitin sulfate family. It consists of long chains of repeating disaccharide units composed of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine that is sulfated at the 6-position. In contrast to chondroitin-4-sulfate (CS-A), CS-C is distinguished by its pattern of sulfation, which contributes to its specific physical and biological properties. CS-C is a common constituent of proteoglycans in many connective tissues.

In vertebrate tissues, chondroitin sulfate chains, including CS-C, are covalently attached to core proteins to form chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, such as aggrecan in cartilage. These proteoglycans often associate with hyaluronic acid and link proteins to create large extracellular matrix aggregates that help retain water and provide resistance to compressive forces. The negative charges from sulfate groups also modulate interactions with collagen, growth factors, cytokines, and cell surface receptors, influencing cell adhesion, migration, and signaling.

Biosynthesis and structural diversity arise from the activity of sulfotransferases and glycosyltransferases in the Golgi, yielding various sulfation patterns and chain lengths. Chondroitin-6-sulfation is one of several possible modifications, and the overall composition of CS chains can vary by tissue and developmental stage.

In research and industry, CS-C is studied for cartilage biology and tissue engineering and is used, in various formulations, as a nutritional supplement component in some osteoarthritis products. Its regulatory status and clinical efficacy vary by jurisdiction, and safety considerations include potential anticoagulant interactions and allergen risks from animal-derived sources.