CD44 molecule messenger RNA 3' untranslated region (CD44 mRNA 3'UTR)

The CD44 mRNA 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) is a key regulatory segment of the CD44 transcript that controls the post-transcriptional expression of the CD44 protein, a cell-surface glycoprotein involved in cell-cell interactions and cell adhesion (PMID: 21307156). This region contains multiple binding sites for microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins that influence mRNA stability and translation efficiency. In various malignancies, the CD44 3'UTR is often targeted by downregulated miRNAs like miR-34a, leading to the overexpression of CD44, which promotes cancer stemness, metastasis, and resistance to therapy (PMID: 25670457). Because of its central role in regulating a major oncogenic driver, the CD44 3'UTR is considered a therapeutic target for RNA-based strategies, such as miRNA mimics or antisense oligonucleotides, designed to suppress CD44 levels. Beyond oncology, the CD44 3'UTR is also implicated in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases where CD44-mediated signaling is overactive (PMID: 28213374). Therapeutic challenges include ensuring the specificity of RNA-targeting agents and achieving efficient delivery to target tissues without inducing systemic toxicity.

Other names

CD44 3'UTRCD44 3-prime untranslated regionHoming receptor 3'UTRPgp-1 3'UTRHermes antigen 3'UTRExtracellular matrix receptor III 3'UTRPhagocytic glycoprotein 1 3'UTR

Regulation of protein expression by modulating mRNA degradation or inhibiting translation through sequence-specific binding to the 3'UTR.