Download or read book Interaction between Hyaluronic Acid and Its Receptors CD44 RHAMM Regulates the Activity of Inflammation and Cancer written by David Naor and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2016-07-18 with total page 220 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The biological outcome of Hyaluronan (also hyaluronic acid, abbreviated HA) interaction with its CD44 or RHAMM receptors recently attracted much attention within the scientific community owing to a Nature article by Tian X et al. (Nature 2013; 499:346-9). The article described a life span exceeding 30 years in naked mole rats, whereas the maximal lifespan of mice, to which the naked mole rat is related, is only 4 years. This observation is accompanied by the finding that the naked mole rat, in contrast to the mouse, does not develop spontaneous tumors during this exceptional longevity. The article provides evidence that interaction of long tissue HA (6000-12,000 kDa) of the naked mole rat with cell surface CD44, in contrast to the interaction of short tissue HA (less than 3000 kDa) with the mouse CD44, makes the difference. More specifically, this communication shows that the interaction of short HA with fibroblasts’ CD44 imposes on them susceptibility for malignant transformation, whereas the corresponding interaction with long HA imposes on the fibroblasts a resistance to malignant transformation. The article does not explain the mechanism that underlines these findings. However, the articles, that will be published in the proposed Research Topic in the Inflammation section of Frontiers in Immunology, can bridge not only this gap, but also may explain why interaction between short HA and cell surface CD44 (or RHAMM, an additional HA receptor) enhances the development of inflammatory and malignant diseases. Furthermore, the articles included in the proposed Frontiers Research Topic will show that cancer cells and inflammatory cells share several properties related to the interaction between short HA and cell surface CD44 and/or RHAMM. These shared properties include: 1. Support of cell migration, which allows tumor metastasis and accumulation of inflammatory cells at the inflammation site; 2. Delivery of intracellular signaling, which leads to cell survival of either cancer cells or inflammatory cells; 3. Delivery of intracellular signaling, which activates cell replication and population expansion of either cancer cells or inflammatory cells; and 4. Binding of growth factors to cell surface CD44 of cancer cells or inflammatory cells (i.e., the growth factors) and their presentation to cells with cognate receptors (endothelial cells, fibroblasts), leading to pro-malignant or pro-inflammatory activities. Going back to the naked mole rat story, we may conclude from the proposed articles of this Frontiers Research Topic that the long HA, which displays anti-malignant effect, interferes with the above described pro-malignant potential of the short HA (perhaps by competing on the same CD44 receptor). Extrapolating this concept to Inflammation, the same mechanism (competition?) may be valid for inflammatory (and autoimmune) activities. If this is the case, long HA may be used for therapy of both malignant and inflammatory diseases. Moreover, targeting the interaction between short HA and CD44 (e.g. by anti-CD44 blocking antibodies) may display also a therapeutic effect on both malignant and inflammatory diseases, an issue that encourages not only fruitful exchange of views, but also practical experimental collaboration.

Download or read book Interaction Between Hyaluronic Acid and Its Receptors CD44 RHAMM Regulates the Activity of Inflammation and Cancer written by and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The biological outcome of Hyaluronan (also hyaluronic acid, abbreviated HA) interaction with its CD44 or RHAMM receptors recently attracted much attention within the scientific community owing to a Nature article by Tian X et al. (Nature 2013; 499:346-9). The article described a life span exceeding 30 years in naked mole rats, whereas the maximal lifespan of mice, to which the naked mole rat is related, is only 4 years. This observation is accompanied by the finding that the naked mole rat, in contrast to the mouse, does not develop spontaneous tumors during this exceptional longevity. The article provides evidence that interaction of long tissue HA (6000-12,000 kDa) of the naked mole rat with cell surface CD44, in contrast to the interaction of short tissue HA (less than 3000 kDa) with the mouse CD44, makes the difference. More specifically, this communication shows that the interaction of short HA with fibroblasts' CD44 imposes on them susceptibility for malignant transformation, whereas the corresponding interaction with long HA imposes on the fibroblasts a resistance to malignant transformation. The article does not explain the mechanism that underlines these findings. However, the articles, that will be published in the proposed Research Topic in the Inflammation section of Frontiers in Immunology, can bridge not only this gap, but also may explain why interaction between short HA and cell surface CD44 (or RHAMM, an additional HA receptor) enhances the development of inflammatory and malignant diseases. Furthermore, the articles included in the proposed Frontiers Research Topic will show that cancer cells and inflammatory cells share several properties related to the interaction between short HA and cell surface CD44 and/or RHAMM. These shared properties include: 1. Support of cell migration, which allows tumor metastasis and accumulation of inflammatory cells at the inflammation site; 2. Delivery of intracellular signaling, which leads to cell survival of either cancer cells or inflammatory cells; 3. Delivery of intracellular signaling, which activates cell replication and population expansion of either cancer cells or inflammatory cells; and 4. Binding of growth factors to cell surface CD44 of cancer cells or inflammatory cells (i.e., the growth factors) and their presentation to cells with cognate receptors (endothelial cells, fibroblasts), leading to pro-malignant or pro-inflammatory activities. Going back to the naked mole rat story, we may conclude from the proposed articles of this Frontiers Research Topic that the long HA, which displays anti-malignant effect, interferes with the above described pro-malignant potential of the short HA (perhaps by competing on the same CD44 receptor). Extrapolating this concept to Inflammation, the same mechanism (competition?) may be valid for inflammatory (and autoimmune) activities. If this is the case, long HA may be used for therapy of both malignant and inflammatory diseases. Moreover, targeting the interaction between short HA and CD44 (e.g. by anti-CD44 blocking antibodies) may display also a therapeutic effect on both malignant and inflammatory diseases, an issue that encourages not only fruitful exchange of views, but also practical experimental collaboration.

Download or read book Natural Biopolymers in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering written by Rangasamy Jayakumar and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2023-08-14 with total page 709 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Natural Biopolymers in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering systematically examines a broad range of natural polymers and their applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. The book thoroughly collates the most relevant and up-to-date research on natural biopolymers, covering a variety of key natural polymer types such as chitin, chitosan, alginate, guar gum and collagen. It is divided into two sections, covering drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Each section focuses on natural biopolymers in the form of scaffolds, membranes, films, gels and nanoparticles, thus helping the reader select not only the most appropriate polymer type, but also the most relevant structure. This comprehensive resource is ideal for materials scientists, biomedical engineers, tissue engineers, pharmaceutical scientists and anyone interested in developing novel materials for biomedical applications. - Covers both drug delivery and tissue engineering applications of natural biopolymers, helping bridge the gap between the two - Details a range of natural polymer types, ensuring all relevant options are presented - Discusses the benefits, challenges and clinical translation of natural biopolymers

Download or read book Biopolymeric Nanomaterials written by Shamsher S. Kanwar and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2021-09-24 with total page 732 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biopolymeric Nanomaterials: Fundamentals and Applications outlines the fundamental design concepts and emerging applications of biopolymeric nanomaterials. The book also provides information on emerging applications of biopolymeric nanomaterials, including in biomedicine, manufacturing and water purification, as well as assessing their physical, chemical and biological properties. This is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers and biomedical scientists who are seeking to increase their understanding of how polymeric nanomaterials are being used for a range of biomedical and industrial applications. Biopolymeric nanomaterials refer to biocompatible nanomaterials, consisting of biopolymers, such as protein (silk, collagen, gelatin, ß-casein, zein, and albumin), protein-mimicked polypeptides and polysaccharides (chitosan, alginate, pullulan, starch, and heparin). Biopolymeric nanomaterials may be used as i) delivery systems for bioactive compounds in food application, (ii) for delivery of therapeutic molecules (drugs and genes), or for (iii) tissue engineering. Provides information on the design concepts and synthesis of biopolymeric nanomaterials in biomedical and industrial applications Highlights the major properties and processing methods for biopolymeric nanomaterials Assesses the major challenges of producing biopolymeric nanomaterials on an industrial scale

Download or read book Chemistry and Biology of Hyaluronan written by Hari G. Garg and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2004-07-14 with total page 625 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It was probably the French chemist Portes, who first reported in 1880 that the mucin in the vitreous body, which he named hyalomucine, behaved differently from other mucoids in cornea and cartilage. Fifty four years later Karl Meyer isolated a new polysaccharide from the vitreous, which he named hyaluronic acid. Today its official name is hyaluronan, and modern-day research on this polysaccharide continues to grow. Expertly written by leading scientists in the field, this book provides readers with a broad, yet detailed review of the chemistry of hyaluronan, and the role it plays in human biology and pathology. Twenty-seven chapters present a sequence leading from the chemistry and biochemistry of hyaluronan, followed by its role in various pathological conditions, to modified hylauronans as potential therapeutic agents and finally to the functional, structural and biological properties of hyaluronidases. Chemistry and Biology of Hyaluronan covers the many interesting facets of this fascinating molecule, and all chapters are intended to reach the wider research community. - Comprehensive look at the chemistry and biology of hyaluronans - Essential to Chemists, Biochemists and Medical researchers - Broad yet detailed review of this rapidly growing research area

Download or read book Biomedical Applications and Toxicity of Nanomaterials written by P. V. Mohanan and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-05-08 with total page 771 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book covers the recent trends on the biological applications of nanomaterials, methods for their preparation, and techniques for their characterization. Further, the book examines the fundamentals of nanotoxicity, methods to assess the toxicity of engineered nanomaterials, approaches to reduce toxicity during synthesis. It also provides an overview of the state of the art in the application of Artificial intelligence-based methodologies for evaluation of toxicity of drugs and nanoparticles. The book further discusses nanocarrier design, routes of various nanoparticle administration, nano based drug delivery systems, and the toxicity challenges associated with each drug delivery method. It presents the latest advances in the interaction of nanoparticles with the cellular environment and assess nanotoxicity of these engineered nanoparticles. The book also explores the comparative and mechanistic genotoxicity assessment of the nanomaterials. This book is useful source of information for industrial practitioners, policy makers, and other professionals in the fields of toxicology, medicine, pharmacology, food, and drugs.

Download or read book Multifunctional Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications written by Ricardo A. Pires and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2022-05-12 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Multifunctional Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications Comprehensive resource presenting a thorough overview of the biomedical applications of hydrogels This book provides an overview of the development and applications of the clinically relevant hydrogels that are used particularly in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, it goes through the material from chemistry, materials science, biology, medicine, nanotechnology, and bioengineering points of view. Sample topics covered by the three well-qualified editors include: The design, functions, and developments of hydrogels Proteins and polysaccharides that mimic extracellular matrix Generation and applications of supramolecular hydrogels Design and functions of cell encapsulation systems Multifunctional Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications is a useful all-in-one reference work for materials scientists, polymer chemists, and bioengineers which provides a comprehensive, contemporary understanding of hydrogels and their applications targeting a wide variety of pathologies.

Download or read book Polysaccharides written by Inamuddin and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2021-06-29 with total page 786 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides the whole spectrum of polysaccharides from basic concepts to commercial market applications. Chapters cover various types of sources, classification, properties, characterization, processing, rheology and fabrication of polysaccharide-based materials and their composites and gels. The applications of polysaccharides include in cosmetics, food science, drug delivery, biomedicine, biofuel production, marine, packaging, chromatography and environmental remediation. It also reviews the fabrication of inorganic and carbon nanomaterials from polysaccharides. The book incorporates industrial applications and will fill the gap between the exploration works in the laboratory and viable applications in related ventures.

Download or read book Immunotherapy in Translational Cancer Research written by Laurence J. N. Cooper and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2018-02-12 with total page 529 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A guide to state-of-the-art cancer immunotherapy in translational cancer research A volume in the Translational Oncology series, Immunotherapy in Translational Cancer Research explores the recent developments in the role that immunotherapy plays in the treatment of a wide range of cancers. The editors present key concepts, illustrative examples, and suggest alternative strategies in order to achieve individualized targeted therapy. Comprehensive in scope, Immunotherapy in Translational Cancer Research reviews the relevant history, current state, and the future of burgeoning cancer-fighting therapies. The book also includes critical information on drug development, clinical trials, and governmental resources and regulatory issues. Each chapter is created to feature: development of the immunotherapy; challenges that have been overcome in order to scale up and undertake clinical trials; and clinical experience and application of research. This authoritative volume is edited by a team of noted experts from MD Anderson Cancer Center, the world’s foremost cancer research and care center and: Offers a comprehensive presentation of state-of-the-art cancer immunotherapy research that accelerates the pace of clinical cancer care Filled with the concepts, examples, and approaches for developing individualized therapy Explores the breath of treatments that reflect the complexity of the immune system itself Includes contributions from a panel international experts in the field of immunotherapy Designed for physicians, medical students, scientists, pharmaceutical executives, public health and public policy government leaders and community oncologists, this essential resource offers a guide to the bidirectional interaction between laboratory and clinic immunotherapy cancer research.

Download or read book Handbook of Materials for Nanomedicine written by Vladimir Torchilin and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2020-03-16 with total page 307 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the fast-developing field of nanomedicine, a broad variety of materials have been used for the development of advanced delivery systems for drugs, genes, and diagnostic agents. With the recent breakthroughs in the field, we are witnessing a new age of disease management, which is governed by precise regulation of dosage and delivery. This book presents the advances in the use of polymeric nanomaterials for medical imaging, diagnosis, theranostics, and drug delivery. Beginning with the combinatorial approach for polymer design, it discusses star-shaped amphiphilic polymers, self-assembling polymer–drug conjugates, amphiphilic dendrimers, dendrimer nanohybrids, sustainable green polymeric nanoconstructs, chitosan-based nanogels, and multifunctional hybrid nanogels. The book provides all available information about these materials and describes in detail their advantages and disadvantages and the areas where they could be utilized successfully.

Download or read book Bioactive Materials for Soft Tissue Regeneration written by Jiang Chang and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2024-06-04 with total page 570 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a follow up of the authors' previous book entitled "Bioactive materials for bone regeneration. Generally speaking, human tissue can be classified as hard tissue such as bone and soft tissue such as skin, mussel, tendon, blood vessel, nerve etc. and including important organs such as heart, liver, lung. Regenerative medicine is dealing with both hard tissue and soft tissue regeneration and is one of the most important part of the modern medicine with significant clinical needs including general surgery, plastic surgery, burn and wound healing, cardiovascular disease treatments. Based on the authors' previous research and review of the international advances in hard tissue regeneration, this book focuses on the hard tissue regeneration using bioactive materials. It covers biomaterials for entire human tissue regeneration, which is key important for research and development in the field of biomedical engineering and the medical device industry. This book will give readers a comprehensive review of principal and the most updated advances of the research in bioactive materials for soft tissue repair and regeneration, and perspectives for the future directions of the research and development in this field. - Covers recent development of bioactive materials for soft tissue regeneration - Provides basic principles for design of bioactive materials for tissue regeneration - Includes future perspectives surrounding the development of bioactive materials that will be valuable to the readers

Download or read book Modular Hyaluronan Based Hydrogels for 3D Cell Culture and Bioprinting written by Michael Jury and published by Linköping University Electronic Press. This book was released on 2022-04-29 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture facilitates development of biological relevant assays for drug screening and toxicity testing. Compared to conventional 2D cell culture, cells cultured in 3D can more accurately mimic human tissues and organs and thus provide ex vivo data with potentially better predictive value for cancer research, pharmacology, and toxicology, reducing the need for animal models, improving experimental reproducibility, and reducing time and costs in drug development. The most widely used options for scaffold-based 3D cell culture are, however, based on poorly defined biologically derived extracellular matrix (ECM) with limited possibilities to tailor material properties and that are difficult to combine with state-of-the art biofabrication techniques. The overall aim this thesis was to design and explore modular hyaluronan (HA) based ECM-mimicking hydrogels with tuneable physiochemical properties and biofunctionalities, for development of advanced 3D cell models and biofabrication. The thesis work is presented in five papers. In paper I, we used copper free click chemistry for both hydrogel cross-linking and functionalization with fibronectin derived peptide sequences for culture of human induced pluripotent-derived hepatocytes in a perfused microfluidic system. The tuneable and bioorthogonal cross-linking enabled both retention of high cell viabilities and fabrication of a functional liver-on-chip solution. In paper II, we combined the developed HA-based hydrogel system with homo- and heterodimerizing helix-loop-helix peptides for modulation of both cross-linking density and biofunctionalization. We further demonstrated the possibilities to use these hydrogels as bioinks for 3D bioprinting where both the molecular composition and the physical properties of the printed structures could be dynamically altered, providing new avenues for four-dimensional (4D) bioprinting. In paper III we investigated the possibilities to chemically conjugate full size recombinant human laminin-521 (LN521) in the HA-based hydrogels system using copper-free click chemistry, with the aim to enable 3D culture and 3D bioprinting of neurons. We quantified the impact of using different linkers to tether LN521 and the influence of LN-functionalization on the structural and mechanical properties of the hydrogels. We show that both differentiated and non-differentiated neuroblastoma cells and long-term self-renewing neuroepithelial stem cells (lt-NES) remained viable in the hydrogels. The hydrogels also had a protected effect on lt-NES during syringe ejection and bioprinting. In paper IV, we used HA-based hydrogels modified with peptides sequences derived from fibronectin and laminin for culture of fetal primary astrocytes (FPA). We explored both the interactions between the hydrogels and FPA and possibilities to 3D bioprint FPAs. Finally, in paper V, we developed HA-nanocellulose composite hydrogels with the aim to increase printing fidelity and enable fabrication of multi-layered bioprinted structures without the use of a support bath. In addition to HA, we used wood-fibre derived nanocellulose (NC) to increase the viscosity of the bioink during the printing process. The developed biorthogonal and modular hydrogel systems provide a large degree of flexibility that allows for encapsulation and culture of different cell types and processing using different techniques, which can contribute to further exploration of fabrication of biologically relevant tissue and disease models.

Download or read book Hyaluronan written by Alberto Passi and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-06-22 with total page 220 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book addresses the structural and biological properties of the extracellular matrix component and glycosaminoglycan polymer hyaluronan (or hyaluronic acid, HA). The book discusses various aspects of HA biology, e.g., HA synthesis and degradation, as well as the role of HA in embryogenesis, development, and cell maintenance. The reader will learn about the role of HA in different tissues as well as its biological activities triggered by the interaction with different HA receptors. A closer look is had at the involvement of HA in human pathologies such as cancer, kidney fibrosis and wound healing. Biotechnological and biomedical applications for HA such as scaffold generation and drug delivery, including the novel synthetic sulphated HA are explored. This work will appeal to a wide readership within the extracellular matrix and hyaluronan field. It can serve as an introduction to the field for junior scientists but can also help senior scientists to gain a broader view of the field beyond their area of specialization. The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

Download or read book Biomaterials for Skin Repair and Regeneration written by Elena Garcia-Gareta and published by Woodhead Publishing. This book was released on 2019-06-05 with total page 374 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biomaterials for Skin Repair and Regeneration examines a range of materials and technologies used for regenerating or repairing skin. With a strong focus on biomaterials and scaffolds, the book also examines the testing and evaluation pathway for human clinical trials. Beginning by introducing the fundamentals on skin tissue, the book goes on to describe contemporary technology used in skin repair as well as currently available biomaterials suitable for skin tissue repair and regeneration. Skin tissue engineering and the ideal requirements to take into account when developing skin biomaterials are discussed, followed by information on the individual materials used for skin repair and regeneration. As evaluation of biomaterials in animal models is mandatory before proceeding into human clinical trials, the book also examines the different animal models available. With a strong focus on materials, engineering, and application, this book is a valuable resource for materials scientists, skin biologists, and bioengineers with an interest in tissue engineering, regeneration, and repair of skin. - Provides an understanding of basic skin biology - Comprehensively examines a variety of biomaterial approaches - Looks at animal models for the evaluation of biomaterial-based skin constructs

Download or read book Glioblastoma Resistance to Chemotherapy Molecular Mechanisms and Innovative Reversal Strategies written by Ramasamy Paulmurugan and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2021-06-25 with total page 832 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Glioblastoma Resistance to Chemotherapy: Molecular Mechanisms and Innovative Reversal Strategies brings current knowledge from an international team of experts on the science and clinical management of glioblastoma chemoresistance. The book discusses topics such as molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance, experimental models to study chemoresistance, chemoresistance to drugs other than Temozolomide, and specific strategies to reverse chemoresistance. Additionally, it encompasses information on how to mitigate chemoresistance by targeted enhancement of p53 function. This book is a valuable resource for cancer researchers, oncologists, neuro-oncologists and other members of the biomedical field. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most invasive and malignant primary brain tumor in humans with poor survival after diagnosis, therefore it is imperative that molecular and cellular mechanisms behind therapy resistant GBM cells, as well as the therapeutic strategies available to counter the resistance are comprehensively understood. - Provides comprehensive, core knowledge related to the entire discipline of glioblastoma chemoresistance, from its many etiological mechanisms, to specific strategies to reverse resistance - Presents current information from an international team of experts on the basic science, pre-clinical research, and clinical management of glioblastoma chemoresistance - Discusses molecular and cellular mechanisms behind therapy resistant glioblastoma cells, as well as the therapeutic strategies available to counter this resistance

Download or read book Role of Nanotechnology in Cancer Therapy written by Priya Patel and published by Bentham Science Publishers. This book was released on 2023-08-31 with total page 345 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The role of Nanotechnology in Cancer Therapy gives an overview of the innovative nanocarrier-based approaches for managing various cancers such as gastric, skin, lung, and prostate cancers. The book also explores the evolving targeting approaches specific to cancer and the immunotherapy-based nanomedicine approach. Several drug-delivery systems that reduce the overall toxicity of cytotoxic drugs and increase their effectiveness and selectivity are also discussed in this book.Key Features- Discusses the potential benefits and therapeutic applications of nanoparticles in cancer management - Provides information about therapy in a range of cancers- Discusses recent developments in cancer nanomedicine including targeted therapy, immunotherapy nanoparticles and dual drug delivery- Includes safety and toxicity considerations- Provides references for advanced readers This book will inform a broad range of readers including undergraduate and postgraduate students, oncologists, pharmacists, and researchers involved in nanomedicine and nano-drug delivery about current advancements in cancer nanomedicine.

Download or read book Hyaluronan in Cancer Biology written by Robert Stern and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2009-03-07 with total page 467 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hyaluronan biology is being recognized as an important regulator of cancer progression. Paradoxically, both hyaluronan (HA) and hyaluronidases, the enzymes that eliminate HA, have also been correlated with cancer progression. Hyaluronan, a long-chain polymer of the extracellular matrix, opens up tissue spaces through which cancer cells move and metastasize. It also confers motility upon cells through interactions of cell-surface HA with the cytoskeleton. Embryonic cells in the process of movement and proliferation use the same strategy. It is an example of how cancer cells have commandeered normal cellular processes for their own survival and spread. There are also parallels between cancer and wound healing, cancer occasionally being defined as a wound that does not heal. The growing body of literature regarding this topic has recently progressed from describing the association of hyaluronan and hyaluronidase expression associated with different cancers, to understanding the mechanisms that drive tumor cell activation, proliferation, drug resistance, etc. No one source, however, discusses hyaluronan synthesis and catabolism, as well as the factors that regulate the balance. This book will offer a comprehensive summary and cutting-edge insight into Hyaluronan biology, the role of the HA receptors, the hyaluronidase enzymes that degrade HA, as well as HA synthesis enzymes and their relationship to cancer. - Offers a comprehensive summary and cutting-edge insight into Hyaluronan biology, the role of the HA receptors, the hyaluronidase enzymes that degrade HA, as well as HA synthesis enzymes and their relationship to cancer - Chapters are written by the leading international authorities on this subject, from laboratories that focus on the investigation of hyaluronan in cancer initiation, progression, and dissemination - Focuses on understanding the mechanisms that drive tumor cell activation, proliferation, and drug resistance