The presence of a novel extracellular hyaluronidase in squid cranial cartilage

A decellularized scaffold derived from squid cranial cartilage for use in cartilage tissue engineering

Decellularized cartilage scaffold (DCS) is an emerging substitute for cartilage defect application.

A guide to hyaluronan and related enzymes in breast cancer: biological significance and diagnostic value

Hyaluronan (HA) is a unique nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan that contributes to breast cancer cells growth and functional properties, including cell migration, invasion, adhesion, as well as tumor-associated angiogenesis in different stages of breast cancer progression and especially metastasis. Latest data show that the levels of HA and/or low molecular mass HA in blood serum and plasma of breast cancer patients may be a useful biomarker for breast cancer prognosis, differential diagnosis, and patients' treatment monitoring. Therefore, the qualitative and quantitative determination of HA in biological samples is an emerging area of research. This review gathers, categorizes, and sums up all the currently used methodologies to analyze HA and HA-related enzymes. The advantages, disadvantages, limitations in use, and the information they provide, are critically considered and discussed. Moreover, emphasis is given to the significance of HA determination in breast cancer, as well as of its related enzymes, for diagnosis and prognosis of this type of cancer.

Analyzing Hyaluronidases in Biological Fluids

Hyaluronidases are a group of enzymes responsible for the degradation of hyaluronan. They seem to be associated with a plethora of pathological conditions, as it has been showcased by numerous studies over the past years. The emerging role of hyaluronidases in various pathological states, especially cancer, is of a great interest. Thus, they are considered as important research targets.In this chapter the popular assay for hyaluronidase analysis in biological fluids is presented and discussed in detail. The assay is divided into two steps; the first is zymography that aims mainly to detect different hyaluronidase enzymes in a biological sample, and the second is the direct quantitative measurement of enzymatic activity by a microtiter plate assay. Both steps are characterized by high sensitivity, simplicity, and limited time consumption.

Involvement of hyaluronidases in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronidases belong to a class of enzymes that degrade, predominantly, hyaluronan. These enzymes are known to be involved in physiological and pathological processes, such as tumor growth, infiltration and angiogenesis, but their exact role in tumor promotion or suppression is not clear yet. Advanced colorectal cancer is associated with elevated amounts of hyaluronan of varying size. The aim of the present study was therefore to illuminate the importance of hyaluronidases in colon carcinoma progression.

METHODS

The patients' samples (macroscopically normal and cancerous) were subjected to sequential extraction with PBS, 4 M GdnHCl and 4 M GdnHCl --1% Triton X-100. The presence of the various hyaluronidases in the extracts was examined by zymography and western blotting. Their expression was also examined by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Among hyaluronidases examined, Hyal-1, -2, -3 and PH-20 were detected. Their activity was higher in cancerous samples. Hyal-1 and Hyal-2 were overexpressed in cancerous samples, especially in advanced stages of cancer. Both isoforms were mainly extracted with PBS. Hyal-3 was observed only in the third extract of advanced stages of cancer. PH-20 was abundant in all three extracts of all stages of cancer. The expression of only Hyal-1 and PH-20 was verified by RT-PCR.

CONCLUSION

A high association of hyaluronidases in colorectal cancer was observed. Each hyaluronidase presented different tissue distribution, which indicated the implication of certain isoforms in certain cancer stages. The results provided new evidence on the mechanisms involved in the progression of colorectal cancer.

Hyaluronidase isoforms from developing embryos of the camel tick Hyalomma dromedarii

Changes in hyaluronidase activity in the camel tick Hyalomma dromedarii were followed throughout embryogenesis. Peak activity of the enzyme on days 21 and 24 during development was accompanied with a complete organization of larvae before hatching on day 27. During purification of hyaluronidase to homogeneity, ion exchange chromatography lead to four forms (HAase1, 2, 3 and 4). HAase2 and HAase4 with highest purity and specific activities after chromatography on Sephacryl S-200. The apparent molecular masses of HAase2 and HAase4 were 25 and 40 kDa, respectively. HAase2 and HAase4 had the same pH optimum of 3.6 and Km values of 0.3 and 0.34 mg/mL hyaluronic acid, respectively. Cleaving activities of HAase2 and HAase4 were demonstrated in the order: hyaluronic acid>chondroitin sulphate A>chondroitin sulphate C>chondroitin sulphate mixed>chondroitin sulphate B>heparin, low M.Wt>heparin. HAase2 and HAase4 had the same temperature optimum (40 degrees C) with heat stability up to 40 degrees C. H. dromedarii HAase2 and HAase4 had broad plateau of NaCl requirement with optimum activity recorded at 0.15 and 0.3 M NaCl, respectively. HAase2 and HAase4 were inhibited by Ca2+, Fe3+, Co2+ and Hg2+ and enhanced by Mg2+ and Mn2+.