Hyaluronan Synthesis and Myogenesis: A requirement for hyaluronan synthesis during myogenic differentiation independent of pericullular matrix formation

<b>Background<br /></b> The role endogenously synthesized hyaluronan plays in myogenesis is not yet known.<br /><br /><b>Results<br /></b> Hyaluronan synthase genes were expressed during skeletal muscle growth and regeneration; inhibiting these synthases prevents myoblast differentiation and fusion.<br /><br /><b>Conclusion<br /></b> Endogenous hyaluronan synthesis is required for myogenic differentiation.<br /><br /><b>Significance</b><br /> The necessity for hyaluronan in myogenesis has implications when considering promoting muscle growth or regeneration.