Hyaluronan: molecular size‐dependent signaling and biological functions in inflammation and cancer
AG Tavianatou, I Caon, M Franchi… - The FEBS …, 2019 - Wiley Online Library
The FEBS journal, 2019•Wiley Online Library
Hyaluronan (HA) is a linear nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix that
plays a pivotal role in a variety of biological processes. High‐molecular weight HA exhibits
different biological properties than oligomers and low‐molecular weight HA. Depending on
their molecular size, HA fragments can influence cellular behavior in a different mode of
action. This phenomenon is attributed to the different manner of interaction with the HA
receptors, especially CD 44 and RHAMM. Both receptors can trigger signaling cascades that …
plays a pivotal role in a variety of biological processes. High‐molecular weight HA exhibits
different biological properties than oligomers and low‐molecular weight HA. Depending on
their molecular size, HA fragments can influence cellular behavior in a different mode of
action. This phenomenon is attributed to the different manner of interaction with the HA
receptors, especially CD 44 and RHAMM. Both receptors can trigger signaling cascades that …
Hyaluronan (HA) is a linear nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix that plays a pivotal role in a variety of biological processes. High‐molecular weight HA exhibits different biological properties than oligomers and low‐molecular weight HA. Depending on their molecular size, HA fragments can influence cellular behavior in a different mode of action. This phenomenon is attributed to the different manner of interaction with the HA receptors, especially CD44 and RHAMM. Both receptors can trigger signaling cascades that regulate cell functional properties, such as proliferation migration, angiogenesis, and wound healing. HA fragments are able to enhance or attenuate the HA receptor‐mediated signaling pathways, as they compete with the endogenous HA for binding to the receptors. The modulation of these pathways could be crucial for the development of pathological conditions, such as inflammation and cancer. The primary goal of this review is to critically present the importance of HA molecular size on cellular signaling, functional cell properties, and morphology in normal and pathological conditions, including inflammation and cancer. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
