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Target intelligence / Profile preview
CD44 and RHAMM Receptors (CD44, RHAMM, CD168)
- Target
- CD44, RHAMM, CD168
- Molecular classification
- Cell surface receptor, Intracellular receptor, Hyaluronan receptor, Transmembrane glycoprotein, Cell adhesion molecule, Non-integral cell surface protein, Cell motility modulator
01
Overview
CD44 and RHAMM are principal receptors for hyaluronan (HA), a major glycosaminoglycan in the extracellular matrix. CD44 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that mediates cell adhesion, migration, and signal transduction, and is highly expressed in stem/progenitor and cancer cells. RHAMM (receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility, also known as CD168) is a multifunctional protein that can localize to the cell surface, cytoplasm, and nucleus. RHAMM regulates cell motility, mitotic spindle formation, and interacts with microtubules, as well as signal transduction molecules such as ERK1/2. Both proteins have critical, sometimes redundant, roles in wound healing, inflammation, tumor progression, and cell differentiation. Their expression and activity are notably upregulated in several pathological conditions, especially cancer, making them attractive—though complex—therapeutic targets[2][3][1][4][5][6].
- Other names
- Hermes antigenIn(Lu)-related antigenHUTCH-1ECM-IIIPgp-1HMMRIHABPIHABP2Hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor protein
02
Mechanism of action
Blockade of HA binding. Inhibition of receptor-mediated motility/migration. Interference with signal transduction (ERK1/2, MAPK pathway). Disruption of RHAMM-CD44/ERK1,2 complexes to inhibit tumor cell motility.
03
Biological functions
Hyaluronan (HA) bindingSignal transduction (e.g., ERK1/2 pathway)Cell motility, migration, and invasionStem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulationWound healingImmune response modulationCell proliferation, cell cycle regulation
04
Disease associations
Cancer (including metastasis, tumor progression in breast, colon, multiple myeloma, other aggressive cancers)Inflammation (such as arthritis)FibrosisWound healing abnormalitiesNeurodevelopmental disorders (for RHAMM)
05
Safety considerations
CD44 and RHAMM are involved in normal wound healing, stem cell function, and immune responses, raising concerns for off-target or adverse effectsBlocking these receptors may impair tissue repair or immune surveillanceIsoform-specific targeting (for CD44 variants or RHAMM isoforms) could decrease, but not eliminate, these risks
06
Interacting drugs
Anti-CD44 monoclonal antibodies
4 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
Overexpression of CD44 variant isoforms (e.g., CD44v6) and RHAMM can be diagnostic or prognostic in aggressive cancersSurface CD44 and RHAMM levels can select for highly invasive tumor cell populationsUsed in monitoring cancer stem cell populations and disease progression
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