This family consists of a group of secreted bacterial lyase enzymes EC:4.2.2.1 capable of acting on hyaluronan and chondroitin in the extracellular matrix of host tissues, contributing to the invasive capacity of the pathogen.

1: Cloning, nucleotide sequence determination and expression of the Staphylococcus aureus hyaluronate lyase gene. Farrell AM, Taylor D, Holland KT; FEMS Microbiol Lett 1995;130:81-85. PMID:7557301

2: Crystal structure of chondroitin AC lyase, a representative of a family of glycosaminoglycan degrading enzymes. Fethiere J, Eggimann B, Cygler M; J Mol Biol 1999;288:635-647. PMID:10329169