Hyaluronan Synthase 3 (HAS3)

Hyaluronan (HA) is an unbranched glycosaminoglycan composed of repeating disaccharide units. It is a major constituent of the extracellular matrix and has been implicated in development, tumorigenesis, and several diseases. HA is synthesized at the inner face of the plasma membrane and is subsequently extruded to the outside of the cell.

Hyaluronan synthase 3 is an enzyme involved in the synthesis of the unbranched glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, or hyaluronic acid, which is a major constituent of the extracellular matrix. This gene is a member of the NODC/HAS gene family. Compared to the proteins encoded by other members of this gene family, this protein appears to be more of a regulator of hyaluronan synthesis. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.