HYAL4

HYAL4, or hyaluronidase-4, is a human enzyme in the hyaluronidase family that hydrolyzes glycosaminoglycans. The HYAL4 gene encodes this enzyme, which is part of the broader family involved in remodeling the extracellular matrix. Hyaluronidases generally act to degrade glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid and related molecules, contributing to tissue remodeling, cell migration, and development.

HYAL4 shows substrate specificity that includes chondroitin sulfate A and C, with activity on hyaluronic acid reported in some assays but typically considered less prominent. The precise range of substrates and the enzyme’s catalytic characteristics in vivo are still subjects of ongoing research. As with other hyaluronidases, HYAL4 is thought to participate in extracellular matrix turnover and remodeling processes that influence tissue organization and cellular behavior.

Expression studies indicate HYAL4 is present in multiple tissues, and its activity may impact the composition of glycosaminoglycans in the local extracellular milieu. In clinical research, altered HYAL4 expression and activity have been examined in cancer and inflammatory settings, with some studies suggesting potential roles in tumor progression or invasion through modifications to the extracellular matrix. However, findings are not yet conclusive, and the exact physiological and pathological contributions of HYAL4 remain under investigation.

Overall, HYAL4 is one of several human hyaluronidases involved in glycosaminoglycan remodeling. Its specific substrate preferences and biological roles are active areas of study, aiming to clarify how HYAL4 influences tissue structure and disease processes.