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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Measuring Global Cellular Matrix Metalloproteinase and Metabolic Activity in 3D Hydrogels
Published on: January 22, 2019
Platelet hyaluronidase-2: an enzyme that translocates to the surface upon activation to function in extracellular
Sami Albeiroti1, Katayoun Ayasoufi2, David R Hill3
1Department of Pathobiology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH; Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH;
Following injury, platelets rapidly interact with the exposed extracellular matrix (ECM) of the vessel wall and the surrounding tissues. Hyaluronan (HA) is a major glycosaminoglycan component of the ECM and plays a significant role in regulating inflammation. We have recently reported that human platelets degrade HA from the surfaces of activated endothelial cells into fragments capable of inducing immune responses by monocytes. We also showed that human platelets contain the enzyme hyaluronidase-2 (HYAL2), one of two major hyaluronidases that digest HA in somatic tissues. The deposition of HA increases in inflamed tissues in several inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We therefore wanted to define the mechanism by which platelets degrade HA in the inflamed tissues. In this study, we show that human platelets degrade the proinflammatory matrix HA through the activity of HYAL2 and that platelet activation causes the immediate translocation of HYAL2 from a distinct population of α-granules to platelet surfaces where it exerts its catalytic activity. Finally, we show that patients with IBD have lower platelet HYAL2 levels and activity than healthy controls.
Following injury, platelets rapidly interact with the exposed extracellular matrix (ECM) of the vessel wall and the surrounding tissues. Hyaluronan (HA) is a major glycosaminoglycan component of the ECM and plays a significant role in regulating inflammation. We have recently reported that human platelets degrade HA from the surfaces of activated endothelial cells into fragments capable of inducing immune responses by monocytes. We also showed that human platelets contain the enzyme hyaluronidase-2 (HYAL2), one of two major hyaluronidases that digest HA in somatic tissues. The deposition of HA increases in inflamed tissues in several inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We therefore wanted to define the mechanism by which platelets degrade HA in the inflamed tissues. In this study, we show that human platelets degrade the proinflammatory matrix HA through the activity of HYAL2 and that platelet activation causes the immediate translocation of HYAL2 from a distinct population of α-granules to platelet surfaces where it exerts its catalytic activity. Finally, we show that patients with IBD have lower platelet HYAL2 levels and activity than healthy controls.
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