Paraskevi Heldin research group

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.

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.

Group members

Research leader: Paraskevi Heldin

Publications

A biological guide to glycosaminoglycans: current perspectives and pending questions

Ricard-Blum, Sylvie; Vives, Romain R.; Schaefer, Liliana; Goette, Martin et al.

Part of The FEBS Journal, p. 3331-3366, 2024
- DOI for A biological guide to glycosaminoglycans: current perspectives and pending questions
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Hyaluronan-Induced CD44-iASPP Interaction Affects Fibroblast Migration and Survival

Lin, Chun-Yu; Basu, Kaustuv; Ruusala, Aino; Kozlova, Inna et al.

Part of Cancers, 2023
- DOI for Hyaluronan-Induced CD44-iASPP Interaction Affects Fibroblast Migration and Survival
- Download full text (pdf) of Hyaluronan-Induced CD44-iASPP Interaction Affects Fibroblast Migration and Survival
CD44 Depletion in Glioblastoma Cells Suppresses Growth and Stemness and Induces Senescence

Kolliopoulos, Constantinos; Ali, Mohamad Moustafa; Castillejo-Lopez, Casimiro; Heldin, Carl-Henrik et al.

Part of Cancers, 2022
- DOI for CD44 Depletion in Glioblastoma Cells Suppresses Growth and Stemness and Induces Senescence
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Hyaluronan nanoscale clustering and Hyaluronan synthase 2 expression are linked to the invasion of child fibroblasts and infantile fibrosarcoma in vitro and in vivo

Tonge, Joseph J.; Notley, Scott, V; Dunning, Mark J.; Lopez-Guajardo, Ana et al.

Part of Scientific Reports, 2022
- DOI for Hyaluronan nanoscale clustering and Hyaluronan synthase 2 expression are linked to the invasion of child fibroblasts and infantile fibrosarcoma in vitro and in vivo
- Download full text (pdf) of Hyaluronan nanoscale clustering and Hyaluronan synthase 2 expression are linked to the invasion of child fibroblasts and infantile fibrosarcoma in vitro and in vivo
Identification of a Small Molecule Inhibitor of Hyaluronan Synthesis, DDIT, Targeting Breast Cancer Cells

Karalis, Theodoros; Shiau, Andrew K. K.; Gahman, Timothy C. C.; Skandalis, Spyros S. S. et al.

Part of Cancers, 2022
- DOI for Identification of a Small Molecule Inhibitor of Hyaluronan Synthesis, DDIT, Targeting Breast Cancer Cells
- Download full text (pdf) of Identification of a Small Molecule Inhibitor of Hyaluronan Synthesis, DDIT, Targeting Breast Cancer Cells
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