N-terminal signal sequence is required for cellular trafficking and hyaluronan-depolymerization of KIAA1199.

Highlights: [•] Expression of full-length KIAA1199 is essential for HA depolymerizing activity. [•] The cleavage of N-terminal 30 amino acids occurs in functionally matured KIAA1199. [•] The deletion of the N-terminal portion results in altered localization of KIAA1199. [•] The N-terminal 30 amino acids of KIAA1199 are indeed the cleavable signal sequence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]