Hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan (HA) plays a key role in the growth, migration and invasion of malignant tumours. HA synthesis is carried out by hyaluronan synthase (HAS). Very high levels of HA have been detected in malignant tumours. The functions of HA are mediated by its interaction with differentiation cluster 44 (CD44) and other hyaladerins. HA-CD44 binding is associated with certain pathologies including cancer and induction of angiogenesis.

The overall aim of this project is to decrease HA levels in tumour cells by developing inhibitors of HAS and inhibitors of HA-CD44 interaction, thus providing the basis for the development of a new anti-tumour therapy.