title: Regulation and roles of the hyaluronan system in mammalian reproduction.
abstract: Hyaluronan (HA) is a non-sulphated glycosaminoglycan polymer naturally occurring in many tissues and fluids of mammals, including the reproductive system. Its biosynthesis by HA synthase (HAS1-3) and catabolism by hyaluronidases (HYALs) are affected by ovarian steroid hormones. Depending upon its molecular size, HA functions both as a structural component of tissues in the form of high-molecular-weight HA or as a signalling molecule in the form of small HA molecules or HA fragments with effects mediated through interaction with its specific cell-membrane receptors. HA is produced by oocytes and embryos and in various segments of the reproductive system. This review provides information about the expression and function of members of the HA system, including HAS, HYALs and HA receptors. We examine their role in various processes from folliculogenesis through oocyte maturation, fertilisation and early embryo development, to pregnancy and cervical dilation, as well as its application in assisted reproduction technologies. Particular emphasis has been placed upon the role of the HA system in pre-implantation embryo development and embryo implantation, for which we propose a hypothetical sequential model.
authors: Royal Veterinary CollegeReproduction Research Group, Hawkshead Campus, Hatfield, UK afouladi@rvc.ac.uk.
authors: Ali A
authors: AA
authors: Fouladi-Nashta
authors: Royal Veterinary CollegeReproduction Research Group, Hawkshead Campus, Hatfield, UK.|Department of Veterinary Surgery and TheriogenologyMichael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
authors: Kabir A
authors: KA
authors: Raheem
authors: Royal Veterinary CollegeReproduction Research Group, Hawkshead Campus, Hatfield, UK.|Department of TheriogenologyFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
authors: Waleed F
authors: WF
authors: Marei
authors: Royal Veterinary CollegeReproduction Research Group, Hawkshead Campus, Hatfield, UK.
authors: Fataneh
authors: F
authors: Ghafari
authors: Warwick Medical SchoolUniversity of Warwick, Coventry, UK and Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK.
authors: Geraldine M
authors: GM
authors: Hartshorne
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D014453:Glucuronosyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000502:physiology; D000076002:Hyaluronan Synthases; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000502:physiology*; D006821:Hyaluronoglucosaminidase / Q000378:metabolism; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
chemical_list: D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D014453:Glucuronosyltransferase; D000076002:Hyaluronan Synthases; D006821:Hyaluronoglucosaminidase