CD44 Recombinant Protein

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

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 11p13

Cellular Component: Golgi apparatus; focal adhesion; cell surface; basolateral plasma membrane; integral to plasma membrane; cytoplasm; plasma membrane; external side of plasma membrane

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

Biological Process: extracellular matrix organization and biogenesis; positive regulation of heterotypic cell-cell adhesion; Wnt receptor signaling pathway; glycosaminoglycan metabolic process; cytokine and chemokine mediated signaling pathway; cell-matrix adhesion; pathogenesis; negative regulation of caspase activity; positive regulation of peptidyl-serine phosphorylation; hyaluronan catabolic process; extracellular matrix disassembly; negative regulation of DNA damage response, signal transduction by p53 class mediator; positive regulation of peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation; cell-cell adhesion; ureteric bud branching; cartilage development; carbohydrate metabolic process; blood coagulation; leukocyte migration; hyaluronan metabolic process; healing during inflammatory response; negative regulation of apoptosis

Disease: Blood Group, Indian System