Danling Wang, PhD - Multiple Faces of Hyaluronan in Fascia Health and Disease

Fascia is increasingly recognized as a dynamic organ that plays essential roles in force transmission, tissue gliding, and tissue repair. Hyaluronan (HA), a major glycosaminoglycan component of the fascial extracellular matrix, has traditionally been viewed as a passive lubricant that facilitates sliding between adjacent fascial layers. However, accumulating evidence indicates that HA possesses a much broader spectrum of biological functions that extend beyond its mechanical properties. HA functions as a highly dynamic signaling molecule whose biological activities are regulated by its molecular weight, turnover, and interactions with diverse cell types and receptors.

Recent studies suggest that HA serves as a critical regulator of tissue homeostasis, orchestrating cellular responses that influence inflammation, regeneration, and fibrosis. In this presentation, “Multiple Faces of Hyaluronan in Fascia Health and Disease,” we will explore the multifaceted roles of HA in maintaining fascial health and discuss how HA signaling contributes to pathological fibrosis and impaired tissue regeneration.