Importance of hyaluronan biosynthesis and degradation in cell differentiation and tumor formation.
Hyaluronan is an important connective tissue glycosaminoglycan. Elevated hyaluronan biosynthesis is a common feature during tissue remodeling under both physiological and pathological conditions. Through its interactions with hyaladherins, hyaluronan affects several cellular functions such as cell migration and differentiation. The activities of hyaluronan-synthesizing and -degrading enzymes have been shown to be regulated in response to growth factors. During tumor progression hyaluronan stimulates tumor cell growth and invasiveness. Thus, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms which regulate the activities of hyaluronan-synthesizing and -degrading enzymes during tumor progression is highly desired.
Heldin
P
P
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden. paraskevi.heldin@imbim.uu.se
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000378:metabolism*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006821:Hyaluronoglucosaminidase / Q000502:physiology; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000378:metabolism
D006133:Growth Substances; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D006821:Hyaluronoglucosaminidase