The synthesis of hyaluronan (HA) on the plasma membrane is a unique and still partly
mysterious way of macromolecular biosynthesis. HA forms pericellular coats around many
cell types and accumulates in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of growing and renewing
tissues. It is secreted to high concentrations in body fluids with antifriction properties like
pleural, peritoneal, and synovial fluids, but is also detectable in plasma, saliva, and urine. In
pathological states, like cancer and inflammation, the amount of HA is increased around …