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Hyaluronan: molecular size‐dependent signaling and biological functions in inflammation and cancer
Author(s) -
Tavianatou Anastasia G.,
Caon Ilaria,
Franchi Marco,
Piperigkou Zoi,
Galesso Devis,
Karamanos Nikos K.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/febs.14777
Subject(s) - signal transduction , angiogenesis , receptor , extracellular matrix , inflammation , microbiology and biotechnology , cell signaling , wound healing , chemistry , cancer cell , biology , cancer , cancer research , biochemistry , immunology , genetics
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 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.