Hyaluronan and Proteoglycans in Cancer and Inflammatory Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2026) | Viewed by 912
Special Issue Editors
Interests: hyaluronan synthases; hyaluronic acid; hymecromone
Interests: inflammation; cell signalling pathways; vascular proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in the initiation and progression of vascular damage; structure, function, immunological and biological properties of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans in arthritis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue will provide a comprehensive understanding of the roles of hyaluronic acid (HA) and proteoglycans in cancer and inflammatory diseases, highlighting their potential as targets for innovative therapies. Growing evidence underscores their critical involvement in the regulation of cancer progression and inflammatory responses. In the tumor microenvironment, HA and proteoglycans modulate key hallmarks of cancer cells, including cell proliferation, migration, metabolism, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Similarly, in inflammatory diseases, they modulate immune responses and tissue remodelling, contributing to chronic inflammation and fibrosis, as well as the resolution of inflammation.
This Special Issue invites original research articles and reviews that explore the molecular mechanisms through which HA and proteoglycans influence tumor progression and inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, novel therapeutic strategies targeting HA and proteoglycans in these diseases, such as enzyme-based treatments, small molecules, and nanomaterials designed to modulate the extracellular matrix, will be discussed.
Dr. Angela D’Ascola
Dr. Michele Scuruchi
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- hyaluronan
- proteoglycans
- inflammation
- cancer
- tumor microenvironment
- therapy
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