CD44 Antibody – Polyclonal

The protein encoded by this gene is a cell-surface glycoprotein involved in cell-cell interactions, cell adhesion and migration. It is a receptor for hyaluronic acid (HA) and can also interact with other ligands, such as osteopontin, collagens, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This protein participates in a wide variety of cellular functions including lymphocyte activation, recirculation and homing, hematopoiesis, and tumor metastasis. Transcripts for this gene undergo complex alternative splicing that results in many functionally distinct isoforms, however, the full length nature of some of these variants has not been determined. Alternative splicing is the basis for the structural and functional diversity of this protein, and may be related to tumor metastasis. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

CD44: Receptor for hyaluronic acid (HA). Mediates cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions through its affinity for HA, and possibly also through its affinity for other ligands such as osteopontin, collagens, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Adhesion with HA plays an important role in cell migration, tumor growth and progression. Also involved in lymphocyte activation, recirculation and homing, and in hematopoiesis. Altered expression or dysfunction causes numerous pathogenic phenotypes. Great protein heterogeneity due to numerous alternative splicing and post-translational modification events. Interacts with PKN2. Interacts with HA, as well as other glycosaminoglycans, collagen, laminin, and fibronectin via its N-terminal segment. Interacts with ANK, the ERM proteins (VIL2, RDX and MSN), and NF2 via its C-terminal segment. Isoform 10 (epithelial isoform) is expressed by cells of epithelium and highly expressed by carcinomas. Expression is repressed in neuroblastoma cells. 19 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Membrane protein, integral; Cell adhesion; Receptor, misc.; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 11p13

Cellular Component: cell surface; cytoplasm; focal adhesion; Golgi apparatus; integral to plasma membrane; plasma membrane

Molecular Function: collagen binding; hematopoietin/interferon-class (D200-domain) cytokine receptor activity; hyaluronic acid binding; hyalurononglucosaminidase activity; protein binding

Biological Process: cartilage development; cell-cell adhesion; cell-matrix adhesion; extracellular matrix disassembly; extracellular matrix organization and biogenesis; hyaluronan catabolic process; leukocyte migration; negative regulation of apoptosis; negative regulation of caspase activity; negative regulation of DNA damage response, signal transduction by p53 class mediator; positive regulation of heterotypic cell-cell adhesion; positive regulation of peptidyl-serine phosphorylation; positive regulation of peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation

Disease: Blood Group, Indian System