Glycosaminoglycan

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are long unbranched polysaccharides, made up of repeating disaccharides that may be sulphated (e.g. Glucuronic acid, Iduronic acid, Galactose, Galactosamine, Glucosamine). GAGs form an important component of connective tissues.

GAG chains may be covalently linked to a protein to form proteoglycans.

GAGs include:

• Chondroitin sulphate.
• Dermatan sulphate.
• Keratan sulphate.
• Heparan sulphate.
• Heparin.
• Hyaluronan.