Hyaladherins, also known as hyaluronan-binding proteins, are proteins capable of binding to hyaluronic acid.
Most hyaladherins belong to the Link module superfamily, including its main receptor CD44, hyalectans and TSG-6.
[1] In addition there is a diverse group of hyaladherins lacking a Link module; these include the receptor RHAMM, C1QBP (HABP1) and HABP2.
[2] The primary roles of hyaladherins are cell adhesion, structural support of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell signalling.
[2] Due to the role of aberrant hyaluronic acid synthesis and degradation in various cancers, hyaladherins, as well as hyaluronic acid, are considered a promising target for cancer therapy.