Glycosaminoglycan metabolism before molecular biology: reminiscences of our early work

This article concerns personal reminiscences of research on proteoglycans accomplished by Jeremiah Silbert and his co-investigators over a 25–30 year period beginning in 1961. Radiolabeled substrates were prepared and incubated with subcellular particles from mast cells and cartilage to determine pathways and organization of heparin and chondroitin glycosaminoglycan formation together with sulfation. Microsomal/Golgi fractions were examined for localization and organization of synthesis. Cell surface heparan sulfate and chondroitin were examined for preliminary information regarding potential function, and techniques were developed to alter sulfation processes.