Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) research on this page centres on stabilin-2, encoded by the STAB2 gene, a large transmembrane scavenger receptor also known as HARE, FEEL-2, FELL and SCARH1. It binds hyaluronic acid and mediates its endocytosis, alongside a wide range of other ligands. Browse Assay Genie's current range of Hyaluronic Acid research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
Stabilin-2 is a hyaluronan receptor that binds to and mediates endocytosis of hyaluronic acid. It is also a phosphatidylserine receptor that enhances the engulfment of apoptotic cells. In different species it acts as a primary systemic scavenger receptor for heparin, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, nonglycosaminoglycan, acetylated low-density lipoprotein, pro-collagen propeptides and advanced glycation end products. It may help maintain tissue integrity by supporting extracellular matrix turnover, or contribute to the fluidity of bodily liquids by resorption of hyaluronan. The proteolytically processed 190 kDa form also works as an endocytosis receptor for heparin, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate.
The STAB2 gene encodes a large transmembrane protein containing 7 fasciclin domains, 15 EGF-like domains and 2 laminin-type EGF-like domains, together with a C-type lectin-like hyaluronan-binding Link module. The protein is primarily expressed on sinusoidal endothelial cells of the liver, spleen and lymph node. It localises to the cell membrane and cytoplasm, and has been shown to cycle between the plasma membrane and lysosomes, which supports its role as a scavenger receptor. Mouse and rat both carry a Stab2 ortholog.
Beyond clearance, stabilin-2 acts as a counter receptor in lymphocyte recruitment in the hepatic vasculature. It binds both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and may contribute to defence against bacterial infection. The NCBI Gene summary also links it to possible roles in angiogenesis, lymphocyte homing and cell adhesion. HGNC places STAB2 in the scavenger receptors gene group, and its closest related target is STAB1.
Stabilin-2 mediates endocytosis of hyaluronic acid and may support extracellular matrix turnover and the resorption of hyaluronan from bodily fluids.
The receptor clears heparin, chondroitin sulfate, acetylated LDL, pro-collagen propeptides and advanced glycation end products, and cycles between plasma membrane and lysosomes.
Stabilin-2 is mainly expressed on sinusoidal endothelial cells of liver, spleen and lymph node, and acts in lymphocyte recruitment in the hepatic vasculature.
As a phosphatidylserine receptor it enhances engulfment of apoptotic cells, and it binds Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, possibly aiding defence against infection.
Stabilin-2 is a transmembrane receptor that binds and endocytoses hyaluronic acid and other ligands, including heparin, chondroitin sulfate, acetylated LDL and advanced glycation end products. It also enhances engulfment of apoptotic cells, supports lymphocyte recruitment in the hepatic vasculature and binds bacteria.
The STAB2 gene encodes stabilin-2, also written STAB-2. Aliases include HARE (hyaluronan receptor for endocytosis), FEEL-2, FELL, SCARH1 and DKFZP434E0321. On this page Hyaluronic Acid is the display name, while the protein studied is the receptor stabilin-2.
Yes. Mouse and rat both have a Stab2 ortholog of the human gene. UniProt notes that the ligand profile differs between species, with the receptor acting as a systemic scavenger for several ligands in different species. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Stabilin-1, the closest related scavenger receptor, and other targets linked to hyaluronan and endocytosis research at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q8WWQ8; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.