Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) polysaccharide has differential effects on cells depending on polymer size. One of the more exciting findings is that small chains or oligosaccharides of HA (6-18 sugar units), but not large polymers, will kill many types of cancer cells by triggering apoptosis while leaving normal cells unaffected. Even chemoresistant cells become drug-sensitive when co-treated with HA oligosaccharides. Overall, these observations form the basis for new anticancer therapeutics.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
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Antineoplastic Agents / metabolism
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
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Apoptosis / drug effects
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Cell Proliferation / drug effects
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Drug Resistance, Multiple / drug effects
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Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / drug effects
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Humans
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Hyaluronan Receptors / metabolism
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Hyaluronic Acid / chemistry
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Hyaluronic Acid / metabolism
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Hyaluronic Acid / therapeutic use*
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Neoplasms / drug therapy*
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Neoplasms / pathology
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Oligosaccharides / chemistry
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Oligosaccharides / metabolism
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Oligosaccharides / therapeutic use*
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Protein Binding
Substances
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Hyaluronan Receptors
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Oligosaccharides
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Hyaluronic Acid