Syndecans are a family of four transmembrane proteoglycans divided into two subfamilies based on transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain similarity: Syndecan 1/3 and 2/4. Via their covalently attached heparan sulphate chains, they bind a variety of ligands and play a role in a number of cell functions including adhesion, proliferation and migration. Syndecan 4 is highly expressed on the cell surface of epithelial cells and fibroblasts and plays an important role in tissue repair. Integrin-mediated binding of fibronectin to Syndecan-4 induces focal adhesions and formation of cytoskeletal stress fibers, facilitating wound healing.