The Syndecans are a family of type 1 integral transmembrane heparan sulfate proteo-glycans. As such, they participate in cell proliferation, migration and cell-matrix interactions. Syndecan-1 is expressed in most malignant cells of epithelial origin and can be detected by immunohistochemistry. It is suspected to stimulate tumor growth initiated by the proto-oncogene WTN-1. 0n the other hand, non-cell associated (?free?) Syndecan can suppress hyperplasia and experimental tumor development. Because of the seriousness of pancreatic cancer and the paucity of tumor markers at hand that would help in prognostication and the follow-up of therapy, Syndecan-1 has been studied in greater detail.
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