Role of hyaluronan in glioma invasion

Gliomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors. Their distinct ability to infiltrate into the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the brain makes it impossible to treat these tumors using surgery and radiation therapy. A number of different studies have suggested that hyaluronan (HA), the principal glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in the ECM of the brain, is the critical factor for glioma invasion. HA-induced glioma invasion was driven by two important molecular events: matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion and up-regulation of cell migration. MMP secretion was triggered by HA-induced focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation, which transmits its signal through ERK activation and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) translocation. Another important molecular event is osteopontin (OPN) expression. OPN expression by AKT activation triggers cell migration. These results suggest that HA-induced glioma invasion is tightly regulated by signaling mechanisms, and a detailed understanding of this molecular mechanism will provide important clues for glioma treatment.