Hyaluronidase 1 and β-hexosaminidase have redundant functions in hyaluronan and chondroitin sulfate degradation.

ABSTRACT: Hyaluronan (HA), a member of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) family, is a critical component of the extracellular matrix. A model for HA degradation that invokes the activity of both hyaluronidases and exoglycosidases has been advanced. However, no in vivo studies have been done to determine the extent to which these enzymes contribute to HA breakdown. Herein, we used mouse models to investigate the contributions of the endoglycosidase HYAL1 and the exoglycosidase β-hexosaminidase to the lysosomal degradation of HA. We employed histochemistry and fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis to determine the degree of HA accumulation in mice deficient in one or both enzyme activities. Global HA accumulation was present in mice deficient in both enzymes, with the highest levels found in the

SUBMITTER: Gushulak L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3351302 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature