Heparanase (HPSE) is a secreted endoglycosidase that degrades heparin sulfate, a constituent of the basement membrane and cell matrix. HPSE has regulatory roles in cell communication, transcription, and autophagy, and maintains the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. Heparanase regulates gene expression, activates immune cells, promotes exosome and autophagosome formation, and stimulates signal transduction pathways. It is expressed in a variety of normal tissues, and has been identified as a regulator of tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis as well as inflammation. References: FEBS J 2017 284(1):42; Nature Reviews Nephrology 2017 13:201; Drug Resist Update 2016 29:54