CD44

GeneName

CD44

Summary

CD44, also known as LHR, CD44v6, and CD44v3, is an 82 kDa transmembrane glycoprotein that is expressed on various cell types, including lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts. It is predominantly located at the plasma membrane and plays a crucial role in cell adhesion, migration, and interaction with the extracellular matrix. CD44 binds to hyaluronic acid and collagen, facilitating cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, which is essential for processes such as wound healing and inflammatory responses. Additionally, it is involved in signalling pathways, including those mediated by fibroblast growth factor, and has a role in the regulation of T cell activation and monocyte aggregation.

Importance

CD44 is relevant to: - Cancer progression and metastasis due to its role in cell migration and adhesion - Inflammatory diseases as it mediates leukocyte recruitment and activation - Tissue repair and regeneration through its involvement in wound healing and cell migration - Autoimmune disorders, where it may influence immune cell interactions and responses

Top Products

For researchers investigating CD44, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies that cater to a variety of applications. The first is the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-CD44 antibody (ab157107), which has garnered 236 citations, reflecting its reliability in Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunoprecipitation (IP). This antibody is a trusted choice for those looking to study CD44 in detail. Additionally, we offer the recombinant monoclonal antibody, Anti-CD44 antibody [EPR1013Y] (ab51037). This product has been validated in knockout models and is suitable for WB and IHC applications. With 169 citations, it is also gaining traction in the research community. The recombinant nature of this antibody ensures batch-to-batch consistency, making it an excellent option for researchers seeking dependable results in their CD44 studies. The Recombinant human CD44 protein (Active) ELISA Kit (ab173996), supported by 3 citations, is an excellent option for researchers looking to accurately measure CD44 levels in their samples.

Abcam Product Citation Summary

The data indicates a significant focus on the role of CD44 in various cancer contexts, particularly breast and colorectal cancers, as well as its involvement in tumor growth and inflammatory responses. The use of multiple applications, including Western blotting and immunocytochemistry, highlights the versatility of CD44 as a target in cancer research. Additionally, studies involving both human and mouse models suggest a broad interest in understanding CD44's function across different species and experimental setups.

Abcam Product Citation Table

Developmental stage

Expressed in the developing retina between 16 and 19 weeks post-conception, specifically in the outer neuroblastic zone, inner neuroblastic zone, interphotoreceptor zone and the retinal pigment epithelium (at protein level).

Domain

The lectin-like LINK domain is responsible for hyaluronan binding.

Function

Cell-surface receptor that plays a role in cell-cell interactions, cell adhesion and migration, helping them to sense and respond to changes in the tissue microenvironment (PubMed:16541107, PubMed:19703720, PubMed:22726066). Participates thereby in a wide variety of cellular functions including the activation, recirculation and homing of T-lymphocytes, hematopoiesis, inflammation and response to bacterial infection (PubMed:7528188). Engages, through its ectodomain, extracellular matrix components such as hyaluronan/HA, collagen, growth factors, cytokines or proteases and serves as a platform for signal transduction by assembling, via its cytoplasmic domain, protein complexes containing receptor kinases and membrane proteases (PubMed:18757307, PubMed:23589287). Such effectors include PKN2, the RhoGTPases RAC1 and RHOA, Rho-kinases and phospholipase C that coordinate signaling pathways promoting calcium mobilization and actin-mediated cytoskeleton reorganization essential for cell migration and adhesion (PubMed:15123640). Upon interaction with LGALS9 ligand, activates downstream signaling components including LCK, ERK and MAPK to promotes NK cell activation (PubMed:37006235).

(Microbial infection) Promotes foot-and-mouth disease virus internalization via macropinocytosis.

Post-translational modifications

Proteolytically cleaved in the extracellular matrix by specific proteinases (possibly MMPs) in several cell lines and tumors.

N-glycosylated.

O-glycosylated; contains chondroitin sulfate glycans which can be more or less sulfated and whose number may affect the accessibility of specific proteinases to their cleavage site(s). It is uncertain if O-glycosylation occurs on Thr-637 or Thr-638.

Phosphorylated; activation of PKC results in the dephosphorylation of Ser-706 (constitutive phosphorylation site), and the phosphorylation of Ser-672.

Tissue Specificity

Detected in fibroblasts and urine (at protein level) (PubMed:25326458, PubMed:36213313, PubMed:37453717). Detected in placenta (at protein level) (PubMed:32337544). Isoform 10 (epithelial isoform) is expressed by cells of epithelium and highly expressed by carcinomas. Expression is repressed in neuroblastoma cells.

Cellular localization

• Cell membrane
• Single-pass type I membrane protein
• Cell projection
• Microvillus
• Secreted
• Colocalizes with actin in membrane protrusions at wounding edges. Co-localizes with RDX, EZR and MSN in microvilli. Localizes to cholesterol-rich membrane-bound lipid raft domains.

Alternative names

CD44, LHR, MDU2, MDU3, MIC4, CD44 antigen, CDw44, Epican, Extracellular matrix receptor III, GP90 lymphocyte homing/adhesion receptor, HUTCH-I, Heparan sulfate proteoglycan, Hermes antigen, Hyaluronate receptor, Phagocytic glycoprotein 1, Phagocytic glycoprotein I, ECMR-III, PGP-1, PGP-I

Database links

swissprot:P16070 entrezGene:960 omim:107269

Other research areas

• Immuno-oncology
• Immunology & Infectious Disease