Decorin interacting network: A comprehensive analysis of decorin-binding partners and their versatile functions

•Decorin embraces a variety of binding partners branding it as a multi-purpose small, leucine-rich proteoglycan.•Structural integrity and cellular signaling are two prominent themes found in the decorin interactome.•Decorin anti-tumorigenic effects result from multiple concurrent interactions with receptor tyrosine kinases.•Emerging functions include angiostasis and autophagic induction.

Decorin, a prototype small leucine-rich proteoglycan, regulates a vast array of cellular processes including collagen fibrillogenesis, wound repair, angiostasis, tumor growth, and autophagy. This functional versatility arises from a wide array of decorin/protein interactions also including interactions with its single glycosaminoglycan side chain. The decorin-binding partners encompass numerous categories ranging from extracellular matrix molecules to cell surface receptors to growth factors and enzymes. Despite the diversity of the decorin interacting network, two main roles emerge as prominent themes in decorin function: maintenance of cellular structure and outside-in signaling, culminating in anti-tumorigenic effects. Here we present contemporary knowledge regarding the decorin interacting network and discuss in detail the biological relevance of these pleiotropic interactions, some of which could be targeted by therapeutic interventions.