SDC4 (Syndecan-4), also known as Syn4, is a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan that co-operates with integrins during cell-matrix interactions for the assembly of focal adhesions and actin stress fibers and in the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) on Tyr397. Syndecan-4 plays roles in the formation of focal adhesions and stress fibers. The cytoplasmic domain of syndecan-4 interacts with a number of signalling and structural proteins, and both extracellular and cytoplasmic domains are necessary for regulated activation of associated transmembrane receptors. Syndecan-4/SDC4 is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan and works as a coreceptor for various growth factors. SDC4 deficiency limits neointimal formation after vascular injury by regulating vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation and vascular progenitor cells (VPCs) mobilization. Therefore, SDC4 may be a novel therapeutic target for preventing arterial restenosis after angioplasty.
