Researchers show that Fuc-HS is the major glycosaminoglycan present in the midgut gland of the Japanese scallop and exhibits biological activities such as anticoagulation and neurite outgrowth promotion. Credit: Kyohei Higashi from the Tokyo University of Science
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), including chondroitin sulfate (CS), heparan sulfate (HS), heparin, and hyaluronan are linear and acidic polysaccharides found in the extracellular matrix of all animal tissues. GAGs are widely used as functional ingredients in health products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, and are prepared from biological samples such as shark cartilage and porcine intestinal mucosa. Consequently, the demand for new sources of GAGs is ever-present.