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: Receptor, misc.; Cell adhesion; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis; Membrane protein, integral
Cellular Component: Golgi apparatus; protein complex; cell surface; focal adhesion; basolateral plasma membrane; apical plasma membrane; cytoplasm; integral to membrane; plasma membrane; nucleus; external side of plasma membrane
Molecular Function: hematopoietin/interferon-class (D200-domain) cytokine receptor activity; protein binding; transmembrane receptor activity; cytokine binding; hyaluronic acid binding; phosphoprotein binding; protein kinase binding; epidermal growth factor receptor binding; hyalurononglucosaminidase activity
Biological Process: cell migration; positive regulation of heterotypic cell-cell adhesion; Wnt receptor signaling pathway; positive regulation of neutrophil apoptosis; negative regulation of caspase activity; response to organic cyclic substance; positive regulation of peptidyl-serine phosphorylation; blood vessel maturation; hyaluronan catabolic process; response to vitamin A; negative regulation of DNA damage response, signal transduction by p53 class mediator; positive regulation of peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation; negative regulation of mature B cell apoptosis; ureteric bud branching; cartilage development; regulation of cell growth; cell adhesion; inflammatory response; healing during inflammatory response; neurite development; negative regulation of apoptosis
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