Project information
Role of tumor necrosis factor-inducible gene 6 protein in a cellular response to hyaluronan

Hyaluronan (HA) is one of the most abundant polysaccharides of extracellular matrix with structural and regulatory properties and with a highly promising therapeutic application. However, these applications are limited by an incomplete understanding of the complexity of HA interactions with cells through surface receptors such as CD44, LYVE-1, HARE or Layilin responsible for the diversity of HA-mediated modulation of inflammatory pathological processes. The structural properties of HA play an important role in this regulatory mechanism. TSG-6 is a small, secreted protein that participates in the remodelation of the extracellular matrix.

We hypothesized that TSG-6 can modulate interaction of HA with cell through cell surface receptors. To prove this hypothesis, the cells overexpressing selected proteins will be prepared and its response to HA of different molecular weight in the presence or absence of TSG-6 will be examined. Moreover, the ability of surface receptors and TSG-6 to bind HA of different molecular weights will be explored both in vitro and in silico.

Understanding the role of TSG-6 and HA in inflammation will help to characterize the inflamed microenvironment. Clarification of these mechanisms may lead to more focused treatments of chronic inflammation. This work will be done in broad collaboration with company Contipro, providing the opportunity to utilize gained knowledge for the development of new therapeutics.