HAS2 Antibody – Mouse Monoclonal

Hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid (HA) is a high molecular weight unbranched polysaccharide synthesized by a wide variety of organisms from bacteria to mammals, and is a constituent of the extracellular matrix. It consists of alternating glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine residues that are linked by beta-1-3 and beta-1-4 glycosidic bonds. HA is synthesized by membrane-bound synthase at the inner surface of the plasma membrane, and the chains are extruded through pore-like structures into the extracellular space. It serves a variety of functions, including space filling, lubrication of joints, and provision of a matrix through which cells can migrate. HA is actively produced during wound healing and tissue repair to provide a framework for ingrowth of blood vessels and fibroblasts. Changes in the serum concentration of HA are associated with inflammatory and degenerative arthropathies such as rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the interaction of HA with the leukocyte receptor CD44 is important in tissue-specific homing by leukocytes, and overexpression of HA receptors has been correlated with tumor metastasis. HAS2 is a member of the newly identified vertebrate gene family encoding putative hyaluronan synthases, and its amino acid sequence shows significant homology to glycosaminoglycan synthetase (DG42) from Xenopus laevis, and human and murine hyaluronan synthase 1. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

HAS2: Plays a role in hyaluronan/hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis. Expressed in fibroblasts. Belongs to the nodC/HAS family.

Protein type: EC 2.4.1.212; Membrane protein, integral; Membrane protein, multi-pass; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis; Transferase

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 8q24.13

Cellular Component: integral to plasma membrane

Molecular Function: hyaluronan synthase activity

Biological Process: extracellular polysaccharide biosynthetic process; hyaluronan biosynthetic process; kidney development; positive regulation of cell migration; positive regulation of cell proliferation; vasculogenesis