A mouse model of human mucopolysaccharidosis IX exhibits osteoarthritis.

Hyaluronidases are endoglycosidases that hydrolyze hyaluronan (HA), an abundant component of the extracellular matrix of vertebrate connective tissues. Six human hyaluronidase-related genes have been identified to date. Mutations in one of these genes cause a deficiency of hyaluronidase 1 (HYAL1) resulting in a lysosomal storage disorder, mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IX.