title: Hyaluronan: biosynthesis and signaling.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hyaluronan is a critical component of extracellular matrix with several different roles. Besides the contribution to the tissue hydration, mechanical properties and correct architecture, hyaluronan plays important biological functions interacting with different molecules and receptors.
  
  
  METHODS
  The review addresses the control of hyaluronan synthesis highlighting the critical role of hyaluronan synthase 2 in this context as well as discussing the recent findings related to covalent modifications which influence the enzyme activity. Moreover, the interactions with specific receptors and hyaluronan are described focusing on the importance of polymer size in the modulation of hyaluronan signaling.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to its biological effects on cells recently described, it is evident how hyaluronan is to be considered not only a passive component of extracellular matrix but also an actor involved in several scenarios of cell behavior.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The effects of metabolism on the control of hyaluronan synthesis both in healthy and pathologic conditions are critical and still not completely understood. The hyaluronan capacity to bind several receptors triggering specific pathways may represent a valid target for new approach in several therapeutic strategies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Matrix-mediated cell behaviour and properties.
authors: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Morfologiche, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy.
authors: Davide
authors: D
authors: Vigetti
authors: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Morfologiche, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy.
authors: Eugenia
authors: E
authors: Karousou
authors: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Morfologiche, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy.
authors: Manuela
authors: M
authors: Viola
authors: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Morfologiche, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy.
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Deleonibus
authors: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Morfologiche, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy.
authors: Giancarlo
authors: G
authors: De Luca
authors: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Morfologiche, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy. Electronic address: alberto.passi@uninsubria.it.
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Passi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D053898:Biosynthetic Pathways; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid
keywords: AMPK; Extracellular matrix; Glycosaminoglycan; Hyaluronan receptor; O-GlcNacylation