Expression of CD44 confers a new adhesive phenotype on transfected cells.
The function of the CD44 glycoprotein as an adhesion molecule was directly tested by transformation of a CD44 cDNA into mouse fibroblasts. This cDNA was expressed as a heavily modified cell surface protein reactive with monoclonal antibodies that recognize glycoproteins now identified in primates as CD44. Independent transfectants exhibited a new self-adhesive phenotype, forming large aggregates when placed in suspension. In variants derived from a clone of cells, aggregation competence segregated with expression of the transfected gene. This CD44-mediated adhesion was blocked specifically by monoclonal antibodies binding one immunologically defined region of CD44. Nontransfected L cells did not self-aggregate but were capable of adhering to the transfectants, indicating that at least one ligand for this adhesion molecule is expressed by mouse fibroblasts.
Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98104.
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St John
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Meyer
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Idzerda
W M
WM
Gallatin
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D002449:Cell Aggregation; D007739:L Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D010215:Papio; D010641:Phenotype; D010957:Plasmids; D016201:Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing; D014162:Transfection
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D016201:Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing