Identification and regulation of the eukaryotic hyaluronate synthase

Hyaluronate synthesis is required for fibroblast detachment in mitosis and migration. It is regulated by the activity of the synthase which is localized at the inner side of plasma membranes. The synthase was identified as a 50 kDa protein by immunological cross-reaction with the streptococcal enzyme and by affinity labelling. Transformation of fibroblasts by Rous sarcoma virus activated the synthase by enhanced transcription and phosphorylation. The synthase was a natural target of pp60v-src kinase.