Hyaluronan is a large glycosaminoglycan consisting of alternating Nacetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and glucuronic acid (GlcUA) units. It is synthesized by hyaluronan synthase enzymes (HAS1,2,3). In many tissues hyaluronan is a major component of the extracellular matrix. It enhances cell proliferation, migration, and controls differentiation. High hyaluronan levels are associated with cancer progres...

The covalent association of inter-alpha-inhibitor-derived heavy chains (HCs) with hyaluronan was first described in synovial fluid from arthritic patients and later described as a structural and functional component of hyaluronan "cable" structures produced by many different cells and stimuli. HC transfer has been shown to be mediated by the protein product of TSG-6 (tumor necrosis factor-stimu...

Several malignant tumors accumulate hyaluronan, a matrix component suggested to promote cancer cell migration and growth. To explore the potential clinical importance of this concept, we assessed the hyaluronan levels in epithelial ovarian cancer. A biotinylated affinity probe specific for hyaluronan was prepared and applied to histological sections of 309 epithelial ovarian cancers and 45 matc...

1. Hyaluronan from mesothelioma fluid, rooster comb and streptococci was examined by rotary shadowing and electron microscopy. All preparations showed extensive branched networks, but high-viscosity hyaluronan networks were essentially infinite, with no individual 'molecules' that were not integrated via multiple branched points into the meshwork. Low-viscosity hyaluronan, recovered after papai...

Phospholipids and hyaluronan are two key biomolecules that contribute to the excellent lubrication of articular joints. alone in combination with have also displayed low friction forces on smooth surfaces micro- nanosized tribological contacts. In an effort develop aqueous-based systems, it is highly relevant explore if these types molecules able provide efficient macroscopic contacts involving...

Background: The role of hyaluronan catabolism in group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection has not been studied. Results: Hyaluronan size differentially influenced GAS infection in vitro and in mice. Conclusion: Digestion of hyaluronan derived from either the bacterium or host enhances host immune defense. Significance: Digestion of hyaluronan during GAS infection may be a previously unrecognized m...

The dissolution of hyaluronan in water leads to its degradation, and as a result its molecular weight decreases. The degradation of hyaluronan is mainly influenced by temperature, solution composition, and also its pH. This study describes the influence of Hofmeister series ions on hyaluronan behaviour and hyaluronan film swelling by solutions of these ions. It was found that Hofmeister ions sh...

Hyaluronan is a prominent component of the micro-environment in most malignant tumors and can be prognostic for tumor progression. Extensive experimental evidence in animal models implicates hyaluronan interactions in tumor growth and metastasis, but it is also evident that a balance of synthesis and turnover by hyaluronidases is critical. CD44, a major hyaluronan receptor, is commonly but not ...

Hyaluronan signaling properties are unique among other biologically active molecules, that they are apparently not influenced by postsynthetic molecular modification, but by hyaluronan fragment size. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the generation of hyaluronan fragments of different size and size-dependent differences in hyaluronan signaling as well as their downstream biolog...