Hyaluronic acid metabolism and chemotherapy resistance: recent advances and therapeutic potential

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of the extracellular matrix, providing essential mechanical scaffolding for cells and, at the same time, mediating essential biochemical signals required for tissue homeostasis. Many solid tumors are characterized by dysregulated HA metabolism, resulting in increased HA levels in cancer tissues. HA interacts with several cell surface receptors, such as cluster of differentiation 44 and receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility, thus co-regulating important signaling pathways in cancer development and progression. In this review, we describe the enzymes controlling HA metabolism and its intracellular effectors emphasizing their impact on cancer chemotherapy resistance. We will also explore the current and future prospects of HA-based therapy, highlighting the opportunities and challenges in the field. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a major component of the extracellular matrix, mediates essential biochemical signals required for tissue homeostasis. Many solid tumors are characterized by dysregulated HA metabolism. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of HA in cancer chemotherapy and examine the status and prospects of HA-based cancer therapy, highlighting the opportunities and challenges in this field. image