# HYALURONIDASE IN MORPHOGENESIS AND TISSUE REMODELING

> **NIH NIH R01** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 1989 · $165,930

## Abstract

Extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules which play significant
structural roles in maintaining tissue integrity, also appear to
have dramatic effects on the behavior of specific cells during
morphogenesis and tissue remodeling.  This proposal focuses on one
such ECM macromolecule, the nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan,
hyaluronic acid (hyaluronate, HA) and the enzymes involved in its
turnover, with specific emphasis on a hyaluronidase (of presumptive
lysosomal origin) which preferentially degrades HA.

Despite many correlative studies in developing and remodeling
tissues, neither the mechanism by which HA influences cell behavior
nor the manner in which cells regulate HA levels is well
understood.  This proposal aims to answer these question using a
combined biochemical/immunochemical approach, coupled with a series
of biological studies.  These include the purification of
hyaluronidase and preparation of specific anti-hyaluronidase
monoclonal antibodies for use i. in in situ localization studies;
ii. in experimental manipulations of HA levels and subsequent
observation of biological effects; iii. for immunohistochemical
studies of specific developing tissues; and iv. ultimately for
molecular biological approaches to the study of the hyaluronidase
gene and its regulation during development.  Biological studies aim
to determine the relationship of HA size to turnover and to its
biological influences, as well as to determine if the molecular
weight of HA is developmentally regulated.  Specific tissues to be
examined include differentiating skeletal muscle, embryonic cardiac
cushion tissue, and cells of the vessel wall.

Since HA and hyaluronidase are currently in use therapeutically for
a wide range of purposes, from intraocular surgery to treatment of
myocardial infarction, an understanding of the biological effects
of this macromolecule and the manner in which cells metabolize it
is not only of fundamental interest, but of current practical
concern as well.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3155323
- **Project number:** 5R01AR025527-08
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FLJ7DQKLL226
- **Principal Investigator:** ROSLYN W ORKIN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $165,930
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1979-04-01 → 1992-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3155323

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3155323, HYALURONIDASE IN MORPHOGENESIS AND TISSUE REMODELING (5R01AR025527-08). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3155323. Licensed CC0.

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