Back to your search result

Description

Hyaluronidases are a family of enzymes that catalyze the degradation of the glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is one of the major constituents of the extracellular matrix in organisms where it contributes to both cell proliferation and migration. The role of hyaluronidases in breaking down this key factor in cell proliferation makes them a possible target for cancer treatment. One hypothesis is that increased hyaluronidase may help prevent tumor invasion by breaking down the extracellular matrix needed for tumor expansion. Conversely, decreasing hyaluronidase activity might prevent metastasis by stopping cancer cells from escaping primary tumor masses. The study to determine hyaluronidases' exact role in cancer pathology is still ongoing.