Hyaluronan: Towards novel anti-cancer therapeutics.
Journal Title: Pharmacological Reports - Year 2013, Vol 65, Issue 5
Abstract
The understanding of the role of hyaluronan in physiology and various pathological conditions has changed since the complex nature of its synthesis, degradation and interactions with diverse binding proteins was revealed. Initially perceived only as an inert component of connective tissue, it is now known to be involved in multiple signaling pathways, including those involved in cancer pathogenesis and progression. Hyaluronan presents a mixture of various length polymer molecules from finely fragmented oligosaccharides, polymers intermediate in size, to huge aggregates of high molecular weight hyaluronan. While large molecules promote tissue integrity and quiescence, the generation of breakdown products enhances signaling transduction, contributing to the pro-oncogenic behavior of cancer cells. Low molecular weight hyaluronan has well-established angiogenic properties, while the smallest hyaluronan oligomers may counteract tumor development. These equivocal properties make the role of hyaluronan in cancer biology very complex. This review surveys recent data on hyaluronan biosynthesis, metabolism, and interactions with its binding proteins called hyaladherins (CD44, RHAMM), providing themolecular background underlying its differentiated biological activity. In particular, the article critically presents current ideas on actual role of hyaluronan in cancer. The paper additionally maps a path towards promising novel anti-cancer therapeutics which target hyaluronan metabolic enzymes and hyaladherins, and constitute hyaluronan-based drug delivery systems.
Authors and Affiliations
Michał Karbownik, Jerzy Nowak
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP104676
- DOI -
- Views 101
- Downloads 0
Endurance training increases exercise-induced prostacyclin release in young, healthy men - relationship with VO(2max).
In the present study, we evaluated the effect of 5 weeks of moderate-intensity endurance training on the basal and exercise-induced systemic release of prostacyclin (PGI(2)), as assessed by plasma 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) conc...
Antihistaminic activity of carane derivatives in isolated guinea pig ileum.
Local anesthetics (LAs) inhibit membrane depolarization by reducing sodium and potassium conductance, and subsequent displacement of calcium ions from binding sites seems to occur. Histamine release appears to be a secre...
Different effects of postnatal caffeine treatment on two pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure models persist into adulthood.
Postnatal treatment with caffeine from P7 to P11 (10 or 20 mg/kg daily) resulted in transient changes in two pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced models of epileptic seizures characterized by spike-and-wave EEG rhythm in imm...
Professor Ullrich Trendelenburg, M.D., Ph.D. (1922–2006). Obituary.
Influence of aripiprazole and olanzapine on behavioral dysfunctions of adolescent rats exposed to stress in perinatal period.
Background: Schizophrenia is a group of mental disorders of unclear origin, affecting around 1% of global population, most commonly young people. Of various treatment methods, pharmacotherapy using atypical neuroleptics...