Hyaluronate lyase

Hyaluronidase from Streptomyces hyalurolyticus has been used:

• in the preparation of DMEM/F-12 (Dulbecco′s modified eagle medium/nutrient mixture F-12) media for the isolation and purification of single cells from dissociated tumour tissue
• as a component of digestion solution for the derivation of germline stem cells from testicular tissue

Hyaluronidase is widely present in nature. In humans, it is present in a number of organs and body fluids. Hyaluronidase is found in the secretions of virus, bacteriophage, fungi and bacteria. It is also present in nematode and leeches secretions. Snakes and scorpions produce hyaluronidase in their venom. Hyaluronidase is also secreted by bees, spiders, wasps, hornets, caterpillars, fishes and lizards.

Hyaluronate lyase degrades hyaluronate using an elimination reaction to break glycosidic linkages yielding unsaturated disaccharide products. It is important for the diffusion of toxins and proteins produced by S. pyogenes.