3. Heparin Mimetics Influence Extracellular Matrix Organization Heparan sulfate is a crucial component for multicellular life, and it interacts with many different signaling proteins and systems. Although heparan sulfate is a very unspecific ligand due to its overall strong negative charge, various heparin mimetics have been developed that constitute different classes, from basic small saccharides to polysulfated oligosaccharides and non-carbohydrate mimetics [,].