CD44: from adhesion molecules to signalling regulators.
Cell-adhesion molecules, once believed to function primarily in tethering cells to extracellular ligands, are now recognized as having broader functions in cellular signalling cascades. The CD44 transmembrane glycoprotein family adds new aspects to these roles by participating in signal-transduction processes--not only by establishing specific transmembrane complexes, but also by organizing signalling cascades through association with the actin cytoskeleton. CD44 and its associated partner proteins monitor changes in the extracellular matrix that influence cell growth, survival and differentiation.
Ponta
Helmut
H
Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, PO Box 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany.
Sherman
Larry
L
Herrlich
Peter A
PA
D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology*; D016923:Cell Death; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D002465:Cell Movement; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors