Altered Hyaluronan Biosynthesis and Cancer Progression: an Immunological Perspective

Title: Altered Hyaluronan Biosynthesis and Cancer Progression: an Immunological Perspective

Volume: 9 Issue: 13

Author(s): Laura Alaniz, Mariana Garcia, Miguel Rizzo, Flavia Piccioni and Guillermo Mazzolini

Affiliation:

Keywords: Extracellular matrix, hyaluronan, CD44, immune system, dendritic cells, cancer

Abstract: Hyaluronan is a glycosaminglycan present in practically all tissues as an important component of the extracellular matrix. In spite of its apparent simple chemical structure, hyaluronan is a molecule with multiple and complex physiogical and pathological functions. Hyaluronan is able to regulate a variety of biological processes such as cellular growth, migration, differentiation and inflammation, not only in normal but also in cancer tissues. Besides, increasing evidence suggests hyaluronan as a potent modulator of immune responses which supports a potential role of this molecule in cancer immunotherapy.

Cite this article as:

Alaniz Laura, Garcia Mariana, Rizzo Miguel, Piccioni Flavia and Mazzolini Guillermo, Altered Hyaluronan Biosynthesis and Cancer Progression: an Immunological Perspective, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2009; 9 (13) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138955709790361485