Endogenous overexpression of hyaluronan synthases within dynamically cultured collagen gels: Implications for vascular and valvular disease.

Hyaluronan is a ubiquitous component of the extracellular matrix with important roles in cell and tissue functions. Hyaluronan content is often elevated in cardiovascular diseases, such as mitral valve disease and atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of endogenously produced hyaluronan dynamically cultured three-dimensional model of collagenous tissues.