Combinatorial expression patterns of heparan sulfate sulfotransferases in zebrafish: III. 2-O-sulfotransferase and C5-epimerases

Chondroitin/dermatan sulfate glycosyltransferase genes are essential for craniofacial development

Chondroitin/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) proteoglycans are indispensable for animal development and homeostasis but the large number of enzymes involved in their biosynthesis have made CS/DS function a challenging problem to study genetically. In our study, we generated loss-of-function alleles in zebrafish genes encoding CS/DS biosynthetic enzymes and characterized the effect on development in single and double mutants. Homozygous mutants in chsy1, csgalnact1a, csgalnat2, chpfa, ust and chst7, respectively, develop to adults. However, csgalnact1a^-/- fish develop distinct craniofacial defects while the chsy1^-/- skeletal phenotype is milder and the remaining mutants display no gross morphological abnormalities. These results suggest a high redundancy for the CS/DS biosynthetic enzymes and to further reduce CS/DS biosynthesis we combined mutant alleles. The craniofacial phenotype is further enhanced in csgalnact1a^-/-;chsy1^-/- adults and csgalnact1a^-/-;csgalnact2^-/- larvae. While csgalnact1a^-/-;csgalnact2^-/- was the most affected allele combination in our study, CS/DS is still not completely abolished. Transcriptome analysis of chsy1^-/-, csgalnact1a^-/-and csgalnact1a^-/-;csgalnact2^-/- larvae revealed that the expression had changed in a similar way in the three mutant lines but no differential expression was found in any of fifty GAG biosynthesis enzymes identified. Thus, zebrafish larvae do not increase transcription of GAG biosynthesis genes as a consequence of decreased CS/DS biosynthesis. The new zebrafish lines develop phenotypes similar to clinical characteristics of several human congenital disorders making the mutants potentially useful to study disease mechanisms and treatment.

The components of the extracellular matrix are crucial for interactions and communication between cells during animal development and disease progression. One major component of the extracellular matrix is chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) proteoglycans, which support and modify cell functions and tissue homeostasis. The biosynthesis of CS/DS is complex and no genetic models have been developed to specifically reduce CS/DS in the zebrafish model organism. We have used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock out key CS/DS biosynthesis genes. We find that knocking out single genes rarely causes major effects on zebrafish morphology and viability, but by combining several knockout alleles we could observe malformations in the zebrafish craniofacial skeleton. In addition, one combination of alleles was embryonic lethal. Our findings describe the role of CS/DS in the development of the head skeleton and give insights in the regulation of genes involved in CS/DS biosynthesis. The zebrafish mutants generated in this study can be used as tools to further study human diseases caused by mutations in CS/DS biosynthesis enzymes.

Re-expression of glucuronyl C5-epimerase in the mutant MEF cells increases heparan sulfate epimerization but has no influence on the Golgi localization and enzymatic activity of 2-O-sulfotransferase

Heparan sulfate (HS) is a linear and complex polysaccharide that modulates the biological activities through protein recognition and interaction. Evidence indicates that protein-binding properties of HS are largely dependent on distinctive sulfation and epimerization patterns that are modified by a series of Golgi-localized enzymes. In particular, the glucuronyl C5-epimerase (Hsepi) converts D-glucuronic acid residues to L-iduronic acid, and 2-O-sulfotransferase (2OST) catalyzes sulfation at C2 position of IdoA and rarely GlcA residues. Mice lacking both Hsepi and 2OST display multiple development defects, indicating the importance of IdoA in HS. Here, to gain greater insights of HS structure-function relationships, as well as a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of Hsepi and 2OST, the fine structure and cellular signaling functions of HS were investigated after restoration of Hsepi in the mutant mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Introduction of Hsepi into the Hsepi mutant MEF cells led to robustly increased proportion of IdoA residues, which rescued the cell signaling in responding to FGF2. However, we found that Hsepi knockout had no influence on either cellular transportation or enzymatic activity of 2OST in the MEF cells, which is not in accord with the findings reported, suggesting that the enzymatic activity and cellular transportation of 2OST and Hsepi might be differently regulated.

Heparan Sulfate Biosynthesis in Zebrafish

The biosynthesis of heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans occurs in the Golgi compartment of cells and will determine the sulfation pattern of HS chains, which in turn will have a large impact on the biological activity of the proteoglycans. Earlier studies in mice have demonstrated the importance of HS for embryonic development. In this review, the enzymes participating in zebrafish HS biosynthesis, along with a description of enzyme mutants available for functional studies, are presented. The consequences of the zebrafish genome duplication and maternal transcript contribution are briefly discussed as are the possibilities of CRISPR/Cas9 methodologies to use the zebrafish model system for studies of biosynthesis as well as proteoglycan biology.

Heparan Sulfate as a Therapeutic Target in Tauopathies: Insights From Zebrafish

Microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) hyperphosphorylation and aggregation, are two hallmarks of a family of neurodegenerative disorders collectively referred to as tauopathies. In many tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and Pick's disease, tau aggregates are found associated with highly sulfated polysaccharides known as heparan sulfates (HSs). In AD, amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide aggregates associated with HS are also characteristic of disease. Heparin, an HS analog, promotes misfolding, hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau protein in vitro. HS also provides cell surface receptors for attachment and uptake of tau seeds, enabling their propagation. These findings point to HS-tau interactions as potential therapeutic targets in tauopathies. The zebrafish genome contains genes paralogous to MAPT, genes orthologous to HS biosynthetic and chain modifier enzymes, and other genes implicated in AD. The nervous system in the zebrafish bears anatomical and chemical similarities to that in humans. These homologies, together with numerous technical advantages, make zebrafish a valuable model for investigating basic mechanisms in tauopathies and identifying therapeutic targets. Here, we comprehensively review current knowledge on the role of HSs in tau pathology and HS-targeting therapeutic approaches. We also discuss novel insights from zebrafish suggesting a role for HS 3-O-sulfated motifs in tau pathology and establishing HS antagonists as potential preventive agents or therapies for tauopathies.

Metabolic engineering of mammalian cells to produce heparan sulfates

Heparan sulfate (HS) is a glycosaminoglycan produced by all mammalian cells that plays important roles in physiology and various pathologies. Heparin is a highly sulfated form of HS that is used clinically as an anticoagulant. Heparin and HSs may also have therapeutic benefits for a wide variety of other indications. Cultured mammalian cells produce HS and, through genetic modification, have been used to elucidate the biosynthetic pathway. Recently, metabolic engineering has been used to produce HS from cultured mammalian cells for clinical purposes. This review describes the HS biosynthetic pathway and its manipulation through metabolic engineering to produce bioengineered HSs. We also discuss current challenges and opportunities to advance the field of HS metabolic engineering.

The NDST gene family in zebrafish: role of NDST1B in pharyngeal arch formation

Heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans are ubiquitous components of the extracellular matrix and plasma membrane of metazoans. The sulfation pattern of the HS glycosaminoglycan chain is characteristic for each tissue and changes during development. The glucosaminyl N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase (NDST) enzymes catalyze N-deacetylation and N-sulfation during HS biosynthesis and have a key role in designing the sulfation pattern. We here report on the presence of five NDST genes in zebrafish. Zebrafish ndst1a, ndst1b, ndst2a and ndst2b represent duplicated mammalian orthologues of NDST1 and NDST2 that arose through teleost specific genome duplication. Interestingly, the single zebrafish orthologue ndst3, is equally similar to tetrapod Ndst3 and Ndst4. It is likely that a local duplication in the common ancestor of lobe-finned fish and tetrapods gave rise to these two genes. All zebrafish Ndst genes showed distinct but partially overlapping expression patterns during embryonic development. Morpholino knockdown of ndst1b resulted in delayed development, craniofacial cartilage abnormalities, shortened body and pectoral fin length, resembling some of the features of the Ndst1 mouse knockout.

Analyzing the role of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in axon guidance in vivo in zebrafish

One of the most fascinating questions in the field of neurobiology is to understand how neuronal connections are properly formed. During development, neurons extend axons that are guided along defined paths by attractive and repulsive cues to reach their brain target. Most of these guidance factors are regulated by heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), a family of cell-surface and extracellular core proteins with attached heparan sulfate (HS) glycosaminoglycans. The unique diversity and structural complexity of HS sugar chains, as well as the variety of core proteins, have been proposed to generate a complex "sugar code" essential for brain wiring. While the functions of HSPGs have been well characterized in C. elegans or Drosophila, relatively little is known about their roles in nervous system development in vertebrates. In this chapter, we describe the advantages and the different methods available to study the roles of HSPGs in axon guidance directly in vivo in zebrafish. We provide protocols for visualizing axons in vivo, including precise dye labeling and time-lapse imaging, and for disturbing the functions of HS-modifying enzymes and core proteins, including morpholino, DNA, or RNA injections.

Zebrafish 3-O-sulfotransferase-4 generated heparan sulfate mediates HSV-1 entry and spread

Rare modification of heparan sulfate (HS) by glucosaminyl 3-O sulfotransferase (3-OST) isforms generates an entry receptor for herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1). In the zebrafish (ZF) model multiple 3-OST isoforms are differentially expressed. One such isoform is 3-OST-4 which is widely expressed in the central nervous system of ZF. In this report we characterize the role of ZF encoded 3-OST-4 isoform for HSV-1 entry. Expression of ZF 3-OST-4 into resistant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells promoted susceptibility to HSV-1 infection. This entry was 3-O sulfated HS (3-OS HS) dependent as pre-treatment of ZF 3-OST-4 cells with enzyme HS lyases (heparinase II/III) significantly reduced HSV-1 entry. Interestingly, co-expression of ZF 3-OST-4 along with ZF 3-OST-2 which is also expressed in brain rendered cells more susceptible to HSV-1 than 3-OST-4 alone. The role of ZF-3-OST-4 in the spread of HSV-1 was also evaluated as CHO-K1 cells that expressed HSV-1 glycoproteins fused with ZF 3-OST-4 expressing effector CHO-K1 cells. Finally, adding further evidence ZF 3-OST-4 mediated HSV-1 entry was inhibited by anti-3O HS G2 peptide. Taken together our results demonstrate a role for ZF 3-OST-4 in HSV-1 pathogenesis and support the use of ZF as a model to study it.

Zebrafish: modeling for herpes simplex virus infections

For many years, zebrafish have been the prototypical model for studies in developmental biology. In recent years, zebrafish has emerged as a powerful model system to study infectious diseases, including viral infections. Experiments conducted with herpes simplex virus type-1 in adult zebrafish or in embryo models are encouraging as they establish proof of concept with viral-host tropism and possible screening of antiviral compounds. In addition, the presence of human homologs of viral entry receptors in zebrafish such as 3-O sulfated heparan sulfate, nectins, and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14-like receptor bring strong rationale for virologists to test their in vivo significance in viral entry in a zebrafish model and compare the structure-function basis of virus zebrafish receptor interaction for viral entry. On the other end, a zebrafish model is already being used for studying inflammation and angiogenesis, with or without genetic manipulations, and therefore can be exploited to study viral infection-associated pathologies. The major advantage with zebrafish is low cost, easy breeding and maintenance, rapid lifecycle, and a transparent nature, which allows visualizing dissemination of fluorescently labeled virus infection in real time either at a localized region or the whole body. Further, the availability of multiple transgenic lines that express fluorescently tagged immune cells for in vivo imaging of virus infected animals is extremely attractive. In addition, a fully developed immune system and potential for receptor-specific knockouts further advocate the use of zebrafish as a new tool to study viral infections. In this review, we focus on expanding the potential of zebrafish model system in understanding human infectious diseases and future benefits.

Sdc2 and Tbx16 regulate Fgf2-dependent epithelial cell morphogenesis in the ciliated organ of asymmetry

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) control many cellular processes and have been implicated in the regulation of left-right (LR) development by as yet unknown mechanisms. Using lineage-targeted knockdowns, we found that the transmembrane HSPG Syndecan 2 (Sdc2) regulates LR patterning through cell-autonomous functions in the zebrafish ciliated organ of asymmetry, Kupffer's vesicle (KV), including regulation of cell proliferation and adhesion, cilia length and asymmetric fluid flow. Exploring downstream pathways, we found that the cell signaling ligand Fgf2 is exclusively expressed in KV cell lineages, and is dependent on Sdc2 and the transcription factor Tbx16. Strikingly, Fgf2 controls KV morphogenesis but not KV cilia length, and KV morphogenesis in sdc2 morphants can be rescued by expression of fgf2 mRNA. Through an Fgf2-independent pathway, Sdc2 and Tbx16 also control KV ciliogenesis. Our results uncover a novel Sdc2-Tbx16-Fgf2 pathway that regulates epithelial cell morphogenesis.

Zebrafish encoded 3-O-sulfotransferase-2 generated heparan sulfate serves as a receptor during HSV-1 entry and spread

Previously we reported the role of zebrafish (ZF) encoded glucosaminyl 3-O-sulfotransferase-3 (3-OST-3) isoform in assisting herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) entry and spread by generating an entry receptor to HSV-1 envelope glycoprotein D (gD). However, the ability of ZF encoded 3-OST-2 isoform to participate in HSV-1 entry has not been determined although it is predominantly expressed in ZF brain, a prime target for HSV-1 to infect and establish lifelong latency. Here we report the expression cloning of ZF encoded 3-OST-2 isoform and demonstrate HSV-1 entry into resistant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells expressing the clone. Additional significance of ZF encoded 3-OST-2 receptor was demonstrated using medically important isolates of HSV-1. In addition, interference to HSV-1 entry was observed upon co-expression of HSV-1 gD and ZF 3-OST-2. Similarly HSV-1 entry was significantly inhibited by the pre-treatment of cells with enzyme HS lyases (heparinase II/III). Finally, ZF-3-OST-2 expressing CHO-K1 was able to fuse with HSV-1 glycoprotein expressing cells suggesting their role in HSV-1 spread. Taken together our result demonstrates a role for ZF 3-OST-2 in HSV-1 pathogenesis.

Members of 3-O-Sulfotransferases (3-OST) Family: A Valuable Tool from Zebrafish to Humans for Understanding Herpes Simplex Virus Entry

The journey of many viruses to infect cells begins when the virus first binds to cell surface heparan sulfate (HS). The initial step of cell attachment or binding during herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) entry is mediated by envelope glycoprotein B (gB) and C (gC). The binding is followed by fusion between virus envelope and cell membrane during which HSV-1 glycoprotein D (gD) interacts with a modified form of HS know as 3-O-sulfated heparan sulfate (3-OS HS). The rare modification of 3-O-sulfation on HS chain is governed by enzymes known as 3-O-sulfotransferase (3-OST). Currently, there are seven isoforms of human 3-OSTs that have been identified, and with the exception of 3-OST-1, all other 3-OST isoforms allow HSV-1 entry and spread. Recently, the product of the zebrafish (ZF)-encoded 3-OST-3 was also recognized as a gD receptor, which mediates HSV-1 entry and cell-cell fusion similar to human 3-OST-3. Interestingly, the ZF system expresses multiple isoforms of 3-OST which could be very useful for studying the involvement of HS and 3-OS HS in virus tropism and virus-induced inflammation. In addition, therapeutic targeting of 3-OST generated HS is likely to bring about novel interventions against HSV-1. In this review we have taken a closer look at the potential of both human and ZF encoded 3-OSTs as valuable tools in HSV entry and inflammation studies.

Heparan sulfate biosynthesis: regulation and variability

Nearly all vertebrate cells have been shown to express heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) at the cell surface. The HSPGs bind to many secreted signaling proteins, including numerous growth factors, cytokines, and morphogens, to affect their tissue distribution and signaling. The heparan sulfate (HS) chains may have variable length and may differ with regard to both degree and pattern of sulfation. As the sulfation pattern of HS chains in most cases will determine if an interaction with a potential ligand will take place, as well as the affinity of the interaction, a key to understanding the function of HSPGs is to clarify how HS biosynthesis is regulated in different biological contexts. This review provides an introduction to the current understanding of HS biosynthesis and its regulation, and identifies research areas where more knowledge is needed to better understand how the HS biosynthetic machinery works.

2-O-sulfotransferase regulates Wnt signaling, cell adhesion and cell cycle during zebrafish epiboly

O-sulfotransferases modify heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) by catalyzing the transfer of a sulfate to a specific position on heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains. Although the roles of specific HSPG modifications have been described in cell culture and invertebrates, little is known about their functions or abilities to modulate specific cell signaling pathways in vertebrate development. Here, we report that 2-O-sulfotransferase (2-OST) is an essential component of canonical Wnt signaling in zebrafish development. 2-OST-deficient embryos have reduced GAG chain sulfation and are refractory to exogenous Wnt8 overexpression. Embryos in which maternally encoded 2-OST is knocked down have normal activation of several zygotic mesoderm, endoderm and ectoderm patterning genes, but have decreased deep cell adhesion and fail to initiate epiboly, which can be rescued by re-expression of 2-OST protein. Reduced cell adhesion and altered cell cycle regulation in 2-OST-deficient embryos are associated with decreased β-catenin and E-cadherin protein levels at cell junctions, and these defects can be rescued by reactivation of the intracellular Wnt pathway, utilizing stabilized β-catenin or dominant-negative Gsk3, but not by overexpression of Wnt8 ligand. Together, these results indicate that 2-OST functions within the Wnt pathway, downstream of Wnt ligand signaling and upstream of Gsk3β and β-catenin intracellular localization and function.

Dynamic expression patterns of 6-O endosulfatases during zebrafish development suggest a subfunctionalisation event for sulf2

The 6-O-endosulfatase enzymes (Sulfs) edit the final sulfation pattern and function of heparan sulfate (HS) by removal of 6-O-sulfate groups from the chain. To date, two mammalian sulf genes have been identified that regulate many signalling pathways during embryonic development. In zebrafish a sulf1 ortholog and duplicate copies of the mammalian sulf2 gene, sulf2a and sulf2, have been identified, which contain conserved motifs characteristic of vertebrate sulf genes. Zebrafish sulf1 and sulf2a are broadly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and non-neuronal tissue including heart, somite boundaries, olfactory system, and otic vesicle, whereas sulf2 expression is almost entirely restricted to the CNS. The duplicate copies of sulf2 have distinct expression patterns, which together mirror that of mouse sulf2, suggesting duplication in the teleost lineage has been followed by subfunctionalisation, whereby both genes need to be preserved by selection to ensure the ancestral gene's expression profile and function is maintained.

Glucuronyl C5-epimerase an enzyme converting glucuronic acid to iduronic acid in heparan sulfate/heparin biosynthesis

The glucuronyl C5 epimerase (HSepi) is one of the modification enzymes involved in biosynthesis of heparan sulfate (HS) and heparin, catalyzing the epimerization of D-glucuronic acid (GlcA) to L-iduronic acid (IdoA) at polymer level. IdoA is critical for HS and heparin to interact with protein ligands, because of its flexible conformation. Although the enzyme recognizes both GlcA and IdoA as substrates catalyzing a reversible reaction of the hexuronic acids in vitro, the reaction appears irreversible in vivo. Targeted interruption of the gene, Glce, in mice resulted in neonatal lethality accompanied with kidney agenesis, premature lung, and skeletal malformations, demonstrating that the single gene coded enzyme is essential for animal development. Elimination of the enzyme resulted in abnormal HS and heparin structure that completely lacks IdoA residues. Loss of 2-O-sulfation due to lacking IdoA in HS chains appears compensated by increased N- and O-sulfation of the glucosamine residues. Recombinant HSepi is used to generate HS/heparin related compounds having potential to be used for therapeutic purposes.

Mice deficient in heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase-1

Heparan sulfate chains are initially synthesized on core proteins as linear polysaccharides composed of glucuronic acid-N-acetylglucosamine repeating units and subjected to marked structural modification by sulfation at various places and epimerization of hexuronic acid residues (C5-epimerase) at the Golgi lumen and further by 6-O-desulfation at the cell surface, which generates their characteristic divergent fine structures. This chapter focuses on the biological and physiological functions of 6-O-sulfation in HS and the characterization of the enzymes catalyzing 6-O-sulfation (HS6ST). HS6STs in mammals such as humans and mice comprise of three isoforms (HS6ST-1, -2, and -3) and one alternatively spliced form of HS6ST-2 (HS6ST-2S). Each of these isoforms has distinct substrate preferences, albeit overlapping each other. These HS6ST isoforms are expressed in a spatiotemporally regulated manner in most organs. HS6ST-1-deficient mice are lethal mostly at later embryonic stages and exhibit abnormal angiogenesis in labyrinthine zone of placenta and aberrant lung morphology similar to pulmonary emphysema. These knockout mice also exhibit retinal axon guidance abnormality at the optic chiasm. Other HS6ST-deficient animals reveal various malformations in muscle development and branching morphology of the caudal vein of zebrafish, in tracheal formation of Drosophila, and in axon guidance of ventral nerve cord interneurons of Caenorhabditis elegans. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts prepared from HS6ST-1/HS6ST-2 double knockout mice did produce HS lacking 6-O-sulfation and responded differently to various FGFs dependent signaling.

Perlecan regulates developmental angiogenesis by modulating the VEGF-VEGFR2 axis

Using the zebrafish, we previously identified a central function for perlecan during angiogenic blood vessel development. Here, we explored the nature of perlecan function during developmental angiogenesis. A close examination of individual endothelial cell behavior revealed that perlecan is required for proper endothelial cell migration and proliferation. Because these events are largely mediated by VEGF-VEGFR2 signaling, we investigated the relationship between perlecan and the VEGF pathway. We discovered that perlecan knockdown caused an abnormal increase and redistribution of total VEGF-A protein suggesting that perlecan is required for the appropriate localization of VEGF-A. Importantly, we linked perlecan function to the VEGF pathway by efficiently rescuing the perlecan morphant phenotype by microinjecting VEGF-A(165) protein or mRNA. Combining the strategic localization of perlecan throughout the vascular basement membrane along with its growth factor-binding ability, we hypothesized a major role for perlecan during the establishment of the VEGF gradient which provides the instructive cues to endothelial cells during angiogenesis. In support of this hypothesis we demonstrated that human perlecan bound in a heparan sulfate-dependent fashion to VEGF-A(165). Moreover, perlecan enhanced VEGF mediated VEGFR2 activation of human endothelial cells. Collectively, our results indicate that perlecan coordinates developmental angiogenesis through modulation of VEGF-VEGFR2 signaling events. The identification of angiogenic factors, such as perlecan, and their role in vertebrate development will not only enhance overall understanding of the molecular basis of angiogenesis, but may also provide new insight into angiogenesis-based therapeutic approaches.

Complementary expression of HSPG 6-O-endosulfatases and 6-O-sulfotransferase in the hindbrain of Xenopus laevis

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are abundant cell surface molecules, consisting of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains bound to a protein core. There is high diversity in the sulfation pattern within each GAG chain, creating specific binding sites for many proteins including cell signalling factors, whose activities and distribution are modified by their association with HSPGs (Danesin et al., 2006; Freeman et al., 2008). Here, we describe the distinct expression of three enzymes which modify the 6-O-sulfation state of HSPGs: two 6-O-endosulfatases (Sulf1 and Sulf2), and a 6-O-sulfotransferase (6OST-1). We use in situ hybridisation to determine the spatial distribution of transcripts during tailbud stages of Xenopus laevis development, with a particular focus on neural regions where the 6-O-sulfatases are expressed ventrally and the 6-O-sulfotransferase is restricted dorsally. The complementary expression of these enzymes in the hindbrain and neural tube suggest a role for specific HSPG structure in dorsoventral patterning, possibly through modifying the activity or distribution of signalling molecules such as BMP, Sonic hedgehog, Wnt and/or FGF.

Structural and cell adhesion properties of zebrafish syndecan-4 are shared with higher vertebrates

The syndecan proteoglycans are an ancient class of receptor, bearing heparan sulfate chains that interact with numerous potential ligands including growth factors, morphogens, and extracellular matrix molecules. The single syndecan of invertebrates appears not to have cell adhesion roles, but these have been described for mammalian paralogues, especially syndecan-4. This member is best understood in terms of interactions, signaling, and structure of its cytoplasmic domain. The zebrafish homologue of syndecan-4 has been genetically linked to cell adhesion and migration in zebrafish embryos, but no molecular and cellular studies have been reported. Here it is demonstrated that key functional attributes of syndecan-4 are common to both zebrafish and mammalian homologues. These include glycosaminoglycan substitution, a NXIP motif in the extracellular domain that promotes integrin-mediated cell adhesion, and a transmembrane GXXXG motif that promotes dimer formation. In addition, despite some amino acid substitutions in the cytoplasmic domain, its ability to form twisted clamp dimers is preserved, as revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This technique also showed that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate can interact with the zebrafish syndecan-4 cytoplasmic domain, and that the molecule in its entirety supports focal adhesion formation, and complements the murine null cells to restore a normal actin cytoskeleton identically to the rat homologue. Therefore, the cell adhesion properties of syndecan-4 are consistent across the vertebrate spectrum and reflect an early acquisition of specialization after syndecan gene duplication events at the invertebrate/early chordate boundary.