Paraskevi Heldin research group

Targeting hyaluronan-CD44 signaling in cancer and infection

During tumor progression, cell surface molecules such as CD44 function as microenvironmental sensors functioning as metastasis suppressors or promoters in a cellular context. Our research focus on the growth factor-mediated induced hyaluronan-CD44 signaling during inflammation, cancer and infection. We found that increased hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2)-synthesized hyaluronan activated CD44 signaling during Dengue virus infection-induced inflammation, disrupting endothelial integrity. Increased serum hyaluronan levels are an early predictor of warning signs for severe dengue virus infection. In certain tumors, such as gliomas, a CD44/hyaluronan feedback circuit drives tumor progression, and is related to the expression of PDGF and PDGF receptor family members.

We aim to investigate the molecular mechanisms that lead to excessive hyaluronan accumulation in certain tumors and infections, resulting in the over-activity of CD44 signaling. Such knowledge is crucial for better management of metastasis and infections.