CD44

Definition

CD44 is a cell surface glycoprotein that functions as a receptor for hyaluronic acid and other extracellular matrix components. It is involved in various cellular processes, including cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, cell migration, and signal transduction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CD44 is expressed on the surface of various cell types, including epithelial cells, lymphocytes, and cancer cells.
2. The binding of CD44 to hyaluronic acid can activate signaling pathways that regulate cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation.
3. CD44 has been implicated in the metastasis of certain types of cancer, as it facilitates the migration and invasion of cancer cells.
4. Alterations in CD44 expression or function have been associated with various pathological conditions, such as inflammation, fibrosis, and tumor progression.
5. The CD44 gene undergoes extensive alternative splicing, resulting in the expression of multiple isoforms with distinct functional properties.

Review Questions

• Describe the role of CD44 in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.
  • CD44 is a cell surface receptor that binds to hyaluronic acid and other extracellular matrix components. This interaction facilitates cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, which is crucial for various cellular processes, such as cell migration, tissue organization, and cell signaling. The binding of CD44 to its ligands can activate intracellular signaling pathways that regulate cellular behavior and function.
• Explain how alterations in CD44 expression or function can contribute to the development and progression of cancer.
  • Aberrant expression or function of CD44 has been linked to the metastasis of certain types of cancer. CD44 can promote the migration and invasion of cancer cells by facilitating their interactions with the extracellular matrix and by activating signaling pathways that regulate cell survival and proliferation. Additionally, the expression of specific CD44 isoforms has been associated with more aggressive and invasive phenotypes in some cancers, making CD44 a potential biomarker and therapeutic target.
• Analyze the potential therapeutic applications of targeting CD44 in the context of DNA sequencing.
  • $$\text{In the context of DNA sequencing, understanding the role of CD44 and its associated signaling pathways can have important therapeutic implications. By analyzing the genetic and epigenetic alterations that affect CD44 expression and function, researchers can develop targeted therapies to disrupt CD44-mediated cellular processes, such as cell migration and invasion. This could be particularly relevant in the treatment of cancers where CD44 plays a critical role in metastasis. Additionally, CD44 may serve as a biomarker for disease progression and treatment response, informing the development of personalized therapeutic strategies based on the genetic profile of individual patients.}$$

Related terms

Hyaluronic Acid: A high-molecular-weight glycosaminoglycan found in the extracellular matrix that binds to CD44, facilitating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.

Cell Adhesion: The process by which cells attach to other cells or to the extracellular matrix, often mediated by cell surface receptors like CD44.

Cell Migration: The movement of cells from one location to another, which can be influenced by CD44-mediated interactions with the extracellular environment.