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Related Experiment Videos

Hyaluronan synthesis induces microvillus-like cell surface protrusions.

Anne Kultti1, Kirsi Rilla, Riikka Tiihonen

  • 1Department of Anatomy, University of Kuopio, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|April 6, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Hyaluronan synthases (HASs) induce cell surface microvilli. This novel finding suggests that the hyaluronan coat can physically shape cell structures.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Glycoscience

Background:

  • Hyaluronan synthases (HASs) are plasma membrane enzymes responsible for hyaluronan biosynthesis.
  • Hyaluronan is a crucial component of the extracellular matrix with diverse biological roles.
  • The relationship between HAS activity and cell surface morphology is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of hyaluronan synthases, specifically HAS3, in cell surface structure.
  • To determine if HAS activity can induce plasma membrane protrusions.
  • To elucidate the mechanism by which HAS might influence cell morphology.

Main Methods:

  • Transfection of cells with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Has3.
  • Microscopy to visualize cell surface structures and analyze microvilli formation.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Enzymatic assays and pharmacological inhibitors to assess the role of HAS activity.
  • Genetic manipulation (CD44 gene disruption) and biochemical treatments (hyaluronidase, oligosaccharides) to probe molecular interactions.

    • Main Results:

    • Cells expressing active GFP-Has3 exhibited numerous microvillus-like protrusions on their dorsal surface.
    • Microvilli formation was dependent on HAS enzymatic activity and the presence of functional HAS3.
    • These HAS3-induced microvilli were sensitive to hyaluronan synthesis inhibition and degradation, but independent of CD44 receptor interactions.

    Conclusions:

    • Hyaluronan synthases can actively induce and maintain prominent microvilli on the cell surface.
    • The growing hyaluronan chain, tethered during biosynthesis by HAS, acts as a physical scaffold.
    • This study introduces a novel concept of the glycocalyx, mediated by HAS, in shaping cell surface architecture.