hyaluronan catabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown of hyaluronan, the naturally occurring anionic form of hyaluronic acid, any member of a group of glycosaminoglycans, the repeat units of which consist of beta-1,4 linked D-glucuronyl-beta-(1,3)-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. [GOC:mah, ISBN:0198506732]

Hyaluronan catabolic process is the breakdown of hyaluronan, a large, linear polysaccharide that is a major component of the extracellular matrix. This process is essential for tissue remodeling, wound healing, and inflammation. Hyaluronan is synthesized by hyaluronan synthases and degraded by hyaluronidases. Hyaluronidases are a family of enzymes that specifically cleave the glycosidic bonds within hyaluronan. There are several different types of hyaluronidases, each with a different substrate specificity and cellular localization. For example, hyaluronidase 1 (HYAL1) is a lysosomal enzyme that degrades hyaluronan to tetrasaccharides and disaccharides, while hyaluronidase 2 (HYAL2) is a membrane-bound enzyme that degrades hyaluronan to oligosaccharides. The breakdown of hyaluronan can be regulated by various factors, including growth factors, cytokines, and hormones. The products of hyaluronan catabolism, such as hyaluronan fragments, can have diverse biological activities, including modulating cell signaling, inflammation, and angiogenesis. These fragments can also be recognized by specific receptors on the cell surface, leading to the activation of downstream signaling pathways. Hyaluronan catabolic process is tightly regulated and plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and responding to various physiological and pathological conditions.'
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Proteins (7)

Compounds (26)