Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10379 | Biomaterials | 2008 | 13 Pages |
Dextran derivatives are biosynthetic polyanionic polymers which exert some of the heparin properties such as regulating the activity of several heparin-binding growth factors. Based on a reproducible synthetic procedure, we have synthesized a new generation of dextran derivatives named dextran methylcarboxylate benzylamide sulfate (DMCBSu). Here we investigated the ability of a library of well-characterized DMCBSu to interact with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), which has essential roles during wound healing. Using gel mobility shift assay, our results indicate that benzylamide and sulfate groups act synergically to bind to PDGF-BB. Furthermore we show that depending on their chemical composition, functionalized dextrans are able to potentiate the mitogenic activity of PDGF-BB on human dermal fibroblasts. This enhancing effect is accompanied with changes in PDGF-BB-induced signaling events, as determined by the use of specific inhibitors and by western blot. Our results suggest that the use of such biopolymers combined with a local administration of the growth factor could increase the efficiency of the biomolecule activity in future therapeutic strategies.