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. Note: This description may include information from UniProtKB.
Protein type: Receptor, misc.; Membrane protein, integral; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis; Cell adhesion
Cellular Component: cell surface; integral to plasma membrane; basolateral plasma membrane; plasma membrane; external side of plasma membrane
SS: The number of records in which this modification site was determined using site-specific methods. SS methods include amino acid sequencing, site-directed mutagenesis, modification site-specific antibodies, specific MS strategies, etc.
