The role of the CD44/ezrin complex in cancer metastasis.
CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule that was traditionally known as 'homing receptor'. This molecule is known to interact with the ezrin family (ERM family) members and form a complex that plays diverse roles within both normal and abnormal cells, particularly cancer cells. CD44 and ezrin and their respective complex have properties suggesting that they may be important in the process of tumour-endothelium interactions, cell migrations, cell adhesion, tumour progression and metastasis. This article reviews the role of CD44, ezrin family and the CD44/ezrin complex in cancer cells and their clinical impact in patients with cancer.
Martin
Tracey A
TA
Metastasis Research Group, University Department of Surgery, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, S. Wales CF14 4XN, UK. martinta1@cf.ac.uk
Harrison
Gregory
G
Mansel
Robert E
RE
Jiang
Wen G
WG
D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008958:Models, Molecular; D005810:Multigene Family; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000503:physiopathology; D010750:Phosphoproteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D000099149:Ezrin
D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D010750:Phosphoproteins; D000099149:Ezrin