Hyaluronan receptor CD44 (CD44)

CD44 is a widely expressed cell surface glycoprotein that serves as the principal receptor for hyaluronan, a major component of the extracellular matrix. It mediates cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, playing crucial roles in processes such as cell migration, adhesion, signal transduction, cytoskeletal organization, lymphocyte activation/homing, wound healing, inflammation response, and especially cancer progression/metastasis. The gene encoding CD44 undergoes extensive alternative splicing resulting in multiple isoforms with distinct functions; these isoforms can act as co-receptors with growth factor receptors or matrix metalloproteinases. In cancer biology specifically, high levels of certain variant forms are associated with increased metastatic potential and drug resistance through regulation of MDR1 expression.[1][2][4][5]

Other names

CD44 antigengp85Hermes antigenPgp-1H-CAM[4][7]

For drugs targeting this molecule, mechanisms include: - Blocking ligand binding (e.g., anti-CD44 antibodies prevent hyaluronan interaction) - Disrupting cell adhesion/migration pathways involved in tumor metastasis or immune cell trafficking