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HAS2

HAS2 stands for hyaluronan synthase 2, a member of the vertebrate hyaluronan synthase (HAS) family that also includes HAS1 and HAS3. The HAS2 gene encodes a membrane-bound glycosyltransferase responsible for synthesizing hyaluronic acid (HA), a major component of the extracellular matrix.

In vertebrates, HAS2 localizes to the plasma membrane and uses UDP-glucuronic acid and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine as substrates

HAS2 is essential for normal development. In mice, loss of HAS2 results in embryonic lethality due to

Regulation of HAS2 occurs at multiple levels, including transcriptional control by growth factors and mechanical signals,

HAS2 belongs to the HAS family, with HAS1 and HAS3 providing complementary activities and producing HA with

to
polymerize
HA
and
extrude
it
into
the
extracellular
space.
Of
the
HAS
enzymes,
HAS2
generally
produces
high-molecular-weight
HA,
contributing
to
extracellular
matrix
structure,
tissue
hydration,
and
viscoelastic
properties
of
many
tissues.
defects
in
the
heart,
vasculature,
and
other
tissues,
highlighting
its
critical
role
in
morphogenesis.
In
humans,
HAS2
is
broadly
expressed
in
developing
and
adult
tissues,
including
the
heart,
vasculature,
skin,
and
joints,
and
is
associated
with
contexts
such
as
wound
healing,
inflammation,
and
fibrosis.
Altered
HA
synthesis
by
HAS2
and
related
enzymes
can
influence
cell
proliferation,
migration,
and
angiogenesis.
as
well
as
post-translational
mechanisms
that
modulate
enzyme
activity.
Dysregulation
of
HA
production
can
contribute
to
pathological
states;
overexpression
of
HAS2
and
increased
HA
has
been
linked
to
tumor
progression
in
several
cancers,
while
inhibition
of
HA
synthesis
is
explored
as
a
therapeutic
approach
in
fibrosis
and
cancer.
different
chain-length
profiles.